I work part time for the local newspaper and I love it because I get to go places and meet people that I normally wouldn't. Well, this was the case with the South Mountain Plantation and it's owner, Gary. He has the greatest belly laugh and attitude and when he described to me what a family his customers were to him and how much they enjoyed coming to his farm for the Christmas trees, it sparked the idea for "Pictures in the Pines".
I remember fondly searching for hours for that "perfect" tree with my family and always ending up with the Charlie Brown Christmas tree.... bald on one side and sort of crooked, but the experience stays with you the rest of your life. Crisp air, fresh pine, red noses and cold faces and your family, each picking their own favorite tree until Dad finally says "it's time to cut".
Even though I've always loved to take photographs, I only remember documenting our tree hunting expedition two times and those images are precious to me. The holiday tradition, one moment, captured forever in a photo of my father holding the tree, my sister blowing her nose, my brother, dangerously swinging the saw and my mother smiling at the camera. Of course, I wasn't in the photo. The person behind the camera never is.
Because Gary was so likeable and enthusiastic about his business and because South Mountain Plantation is stunning with it's views of the valley and it's evergreen scent, I decided to offer other families the chance to have a remembrance of their Christmas tradition at the farm.
For two days, December 6th and 7th from 9a.m.-3 p.m.,I will stand out in whatever weather comes and photograph families in the pines for $25.00 so they have photos with the entire family to use to make holiday gifts or cards . South Mountain Plantation is located at 6138 Cleveland Drive, Boonsboro, Maryland. Hope to see out out there!
My neighbors, the Sherwood family, who are crazy photogenic and good sports, posed for me for some test shots. In fifteen minutes, we had some great pictures of them on the antique sled and in front of the trees and I created several Christmas cards from the shoot. Thanks gang, you were fantastic!
