Another Sweet baby is turning one :-)

I just had another fun first year session; this time with little Destinee and her handsome older brother Devon. Destinee is going to have a Minnie Mouse themed birthday party that I am really looking forward to. Her mommy has really put some great organization into this party and she wants to make sure that there are great memories captured for Destinee to reflect on. I am so honored that Destinee's mommy contacted me and asked for my help on this. Just as we got there it started to rain. I am so glad the sun shined and the rain stopped :-)

Here is the invite that I put together for her.

Isn't the bikini adorable?!



That cloud seems to resemble the Minnie Ears. Mother Nature created that cloud not photoshop :-)

Here is her handsome brother Devon. He LOVES having his picture taken. Uh-Hmm, O.k. Mom we need to talk about getting some head shots for this little guy. He is going to be a star!

Birthday Invite

Here is what I put together for Baby "G's" first birthday invite. I love how the colors bring out the tones in the image. So pink and girly :-) Of course I changed the info for sample purposes; see you in Anytown, lol. If your in need of customized greetings contact me to schedule and mention Baby "G" to recieve 10% off any customized greeting total order. Offer expires 10-31-2008 and is only valid with full price session.

Baby "G"

Baby "G" is turning 1. Her mommy wanted to create a special birthday invitation and it was my pleasure in helping her create it. It was so hard to decide on the final image for the invites. She is just so full of character and expressions. I loved every minute of photographing her. One can say she is definitely a "Gerber Baby"! :-)

I had to incorporate mommy.

She kept pointing at something, I never figured out what it was but I just had to capture her cute little finger.

and her expressions were priceless.

Hello Baby :-)

Such a beautiful smile.

Her profile is just as precious.

Plenty of sunshine :-)

She loves this dancing Hippopotamus.

Little giggler.

She has such beautiful eyes too.

Giving love,love to the Hippo.

Aw, so sweet.

Grandma handing baby "G's" cuddly friend back to her.

She wanted to teeth on the comb instead of having her hair combed with it ;-)

Beautiful Baby!

Did I mention how much she loves her stuffed friend? ;-)

Such a sweet girl. I can't wait to get first cake pics baby "G", see you soon :-)

Duffy's

One of my favorite Irish Pub's would be Duffy's located in the heart of West Haven, CT. If your one for atmosphere then this is the place to be. Duffy's was founded in 1983 by John Walsh but not until he combed many antique shops for items that had some connection to the Emerald Isle that would soon adorn Duffy's dining and barroom areas. The decor is enough of a reason to make the trip to Duffy's.

Duffy's also has extensive menus for brunch, lunch and dinner and don't let me forget an extensive beer and wine list. Duffy's has recently opened a new patio furnished with comfortable wicker furniture and a gorgeous see through fireplace which is visible through large glass sliding doors off the barroom.

I recently had lunch there with my mother and father. It was a must to show them what Duffy's was all about. Not only are there delicious Irish meals on the menu but Italian specials as well. John Walsh's wife Ann is Italian. Oh and by the way, try to make it for dinner or Sunday brunch in which Irish soda bread and Marchegian crecia bread is served and oh so good!

My dad was thirsty!

If Calamari is on the menu then it's always a Val must appetizer!

Chris Walsh working hard in the barroom area.

Viva Variety!

Original register in Duffy's first opened.

Outdoors; if you want to see more visit them at 241 Campbell Ave., West Haven, CT

One of John Walsh's unique finds.

I incorporated my son into this one. Do you see him?

Our lovely and friendly waitress! Go see her!

Thoughtful Hubby

Yesterday morning; half asleep I walked right by these. How could I not have noticed. They are so beautiful. My husband kept staring at me as if he were up to something. Then, I finally noticed them. He was out in out yard very early pruning our rose bush. He scrummaged up a beautiful vase that he bought on a trip to Dubai. The combination of his floral arranging skills, the gorgeous vase and beautiful roses was impossible to not captured and create a wall hanging that had special meaning :-) Click on the images to see them larger.

Such beautiful roses!

I can't wait to see this one on canvas. I love the vase.

Now what do I do for Father's day?

My mom and dad are here!

I love it when my Mom and Dad arrive from CA for their yearly visit. I hate it when they leave! Tomorrow we'll go to IKEA followed mom and daughter pedicures. Can't wait. I love my Mommy, I don't care how old (uh-hmmmm, I mean young) I am. She will always be my "Mommy"!

She barely got her seat belt on and I was already all paparazzi on her!

I hope to grab some shots of both my mother and father on the beach sometime during their visit.

My Cristian

Just a little portrait and candids of my son from a recent field trip. I am really going to miss him. My mom and dad will be flying in from CA tonight arriving tomorrow morning. They will spend a week here (IKEA here we come!)then fly back with my son for the summer break. He is so excited to spend the summer in CA. I remember the days when he would ALWAYS want me to be next to him like gum on a shoe. I would have to comfort him and let him know everything will be o.k. Now the shoe is on the other foot. He is trying to comfort me and let me know he will be back and I will be o.k. I am looking forward to spending time with my mom and dad. It's just going to be so hard to say goodbye when that time comes. I am really going to miss my Cristian :-(

I love candids capturing his true pensive expressions.

He was so proud of this turkey feather he found.

My baby is growing up too fast.

PHeeling thankPHul and Inspired

I truly believe that there is a reason for everything. A reason I have been blessed with beautiful children, A reason I meet and fell in love with my husband and moved from CA to CT, a reason for having this heart felt passion for photography, a reason for the satisfaction I get when I see or hear the emotion evoked by my art, the reason I am so PHortunate to be surrounded and have met some of the most talented and inspirational people during my journey we call life.

In this most recent part of my journey I have made some great and wonderful PHriends; Claudia of fabuluxephotos has been such a wonderful friend some may think of her as a Celine Dion look alike. I have also had the pleasure of finally meeting the ultra-talented Carla TenEyck who I really seemed to connect with through her blogs which have moved me to tears. Carla recently hosted a PHundraiser to help gain Non-Profit status for an organization wonderful Justin and Mary Marantz have been working hard at; Portrait House. Photographers come together to raise money for a great cause. Currently Habitat for Humanity. So many wonderful photographers have taken part of this inspirational cause, the brilliant Robert Norman, Awesome Steve Depino, Sweet Paul and Krystal of Studiofoto and so many more.

I am in the process of creating a PH ad and a creative way for Val McCormick Photography to get involved and help PH with the current goal of building a home for a deserving family. Whether it be a reduced session fee completely donated to Habitat for Humanity or "Valerizing" for someone that is not in my area for a donation. You see once the current goal for Habitat for Humanity is obtained; PH will raise money for another deserving cause.

If you are a myspace friend please copy and repost this as a bulletin. I would love to see as many photographers possible get involved so we can really make an impact on someone's life that really needs it.


-"It's what we do during our dash that matters."

Sweet Aedan

I spent the weekend with my family having a little family time. We mostly hung out in the back yard and on the deck. As I was watching my boys play, I just couldn't get over how much they have grown. I remember thinking this time next year Aedan will be running around with his brothers. Boy that year went by fast. I just want to hold on to these moments. My oldest won't even let me hug or kiss him goodbye for school. (Excuse me) :-P I don't want the hugs and kisses to ever end! They will always be my babies :-)

Had to get this first shot of hard working in the yard daddy with Aedan on his shoulders. It almost seems as if Aedan knew that flare would be there.

What is Aedan running from?

Daddy playing with the blower not realizing it's scaring the CRAP out of him! Poor Aedan.

I love to photograph baby toes! Where are his ankles? I love the chunk :-)

Need memories from every angle; love his lashes.

He is so full of expressions. This one cracks me up. It's So AEDAN!

Beautiful Baby :-)

Watcha lookin' at?

See Ya Later!

Fun in the Sun *SPECIAL*

Great News,
Have you been wanting beautiful family portraits taken on the beach? If so your in luck! Anyone who books a session between June 1, 2008 - June 30, 2008 will receive half off of the session fee and 10% off wall portrait purchases from this beach session. These sessions must take place before September 1, 2008 and at West Haven Beach in West Haven, CT. Sessions fee covers up to four people please add $25.00 per person for any additional people. Arrangements may be made for another area however, mileage fee may be incurred. If you have any questions please contact Val at 203-589-7099.