Jeri Amrine Photography Blog

Winter Getaway 2012 ~ Hocking Hills, OH

jeriamrine — Sun, 29 Jan 2012 15:15:09 +0000

A few weeks ago, my husband and I went on our annual winter weekend getaway in southern Ohio. We do this to celebrate our anniversary, that gets pushed to the wayside during the holidays, and to enjoy the beauty of winter. Winter hasn’t actually hit us yet in central Ohio, but on our getaway weekend, we got a fresh blanket of snow in the hills. We were able to hike some trails we haven’t been on in a few years and were often the first ones to muck up the untouched snow.

We hiked Old Man’s Cave first. If you prefer a less crowded hike, the key is to visit this spot on a weekday.

The bridge at Old Man's Cave

Old Man's Cave

Snowy bridge at Old Man's Cave

View on the way to the top of the cave

The second day, we tried to hike Cantwell Cliffs, but I thought it was too icy along the top trail. I did manage to get a few photos before we called this hike off, though.

Looking over the cliffs

A winter view into the cliffs

When all else fails, we hike Conkle’s Hollow. If the top trail is too icy, there is always the lower trail. This year, we were able to hike the top and the views were totally worth the trek!

Scenic entrance into Conkle's Hollow

View from the upper trail of Conkle's Hollow

View from the top trail at Conkle's Hollow

Deer at Hocking Hills

This last photo is of an old church that we love. The name is Wesley Chapel, which is the name of the town where we lived in Florida.

Wesley Chapel church

I say this every year, but these winter getaways help us to get over the holidays blues and ease into winter a little easier. We have learned to see the beauty in the snow and ice.

I recommend getting out and doing your own winter hike! Dress in layers, heed the trail warnings, pay attention to your boundaries, and take in the too-amazing-for-words views.

The full photo galleries can be viewed HERE.

Filed under: The World Around Us Tagged: Cantwell Cliffs, Conkle's Hollow, Hocking Hills, Jeri Amrine, lower rim, Marysville OH photographer, Old Man's Cave, snow, trails, upper rim, winter getaway

Preserving Main Street

martyamrine — Wed, 18 Jan 2012 15:20:03 +0000

As you drive into downtown Logan , Ohio you get the eerie sensation of a town center dying away to the influx of fast food and mega shopping centers. Empty store fronts and for sale or lease signs greet the passerby with only memories of what once was. All is not lost; however, it is up to us to keep the remaining shops from completing the ghost town transformation. One such establishment, M&M Family Diner, surrounded by empty buildings, continues to greet each patron with a smile and thank you.

On our winter hike to Hocking Hills, my wife and I ventured into Logan looking for a hometown meal. Lucky for us we found the aforementioned diner. With a bright smile and friendly greeting, we were seated and served by the proprietor/waitress. Yes, the owner still likes to wait on her guests. A few short minutes into our arrival, we were treated to stories of downtown past by some seasoned residents. They were unwavering in the face of chain restaurants and big box stores, preferring small town charm and hospitality.

Upon ordering our meals, we were told that M&M Family Diner makes their own sausage – which ended up being some of the best sausage we had ever eaten – and hand cuts their own potatoes. In a world of frozen and processed food, this was such a refreshing thing to hear. Kudos to the diner and their ability to just do it better than most chains.

On our way out we compared small town stories with the owner and thanked her for a wonderful breakfast. We admired pictures of Logan ‘s past scattering the diner walls and appreciated what she is trying to preserve. Her final statement struck us both in our small town hearts.

“Every single check counts and we will survive.”

If this kind of appreciation and perseverance still filled the American psyche, then I have no doubts that ” Main Street ” would be stronger than ever.

If you are ever in Logan , Ohio , please take the time to stop by M&M Family Diner on Main Street . You will not be disappointed and you will be helping to revitalize a past that our ancestors helped to create.

Submitted by Guest Blogger, Marty Amrine.

Filed under: The World Around Us Tagged: cooking, diner, family photographer, Hocking Hills, Jeri Amrine, Logan, M&M Family Diner, Marysville OH photographer, OH, small town

On Broadway

jeriamrine — Sat, 31 Dec 2011 20:33:23 +0000

I loved this session! In October, the sun was low, the sky was blue, and the weather was perfect! These sisters wanted to surprise their Mom for Christmas with family photos. The family gathered at the Broadway ball park – a place where the sisters played softball and spent alot of their childhood. I’ve said it before, but I really love it when the location has special meaning to the entire family. This is their Broadway:

I love how this session combined family and sports – two things very important to this crew!! Thanks, Jennifer and Christy for including me in your great idea!

Filed under: Kids, Photo Sessions, The Whole Family Tagged: Broadway Ball Park, family photographer, Jeri Amrine, Marysville OH photographer, Marysville OH photography, softball field

Class of 2012 ~ Marysville, OH Senior Portraits

jeriamrine — Sat, 31 Dec 2011 20:15:55 +0000

I had so many senior sessions this summer and fall that I never got around to blogging about them. To catch up, I am going to put them all in one post. I must say that I had a great group of young adults this year! So much personality (which you know I love!) and so much ambition. I felt so energized working with all of them. Meet a few faces from the Class of 2012.

Thank you so much, Seniors, for making my 2011 such a fun one!

Filed under: Photo Sessions, Seniors Tagged: Class of 2012, high school, Jeri Amrine, Marysville, Marysville OH photographer, Marysville OH photography, Ohio, outdoors, photographer, photography, portrait, senior, session