Lehigh Valley Family Photographer | The Bernhard Family

Do you have a hobby that you just absolutely love doing, that you couldn’t imagine the person you’d be if this particular component of your life didn’t exist? Think about it. What’s your go-to thing that you totally look forward to after a stressful day at work? Is there a big ticket item that instantly reduces your stress and propels your mind into a state of happiness and zen?

For me, that thing is running. Running for me is a form of therapy. While I do enjoy being a photographer, there’s just something about hitting the trails throughout the Lehigh Valley and getting lost in a few miles of my own thoughts, all while pushing my body to its limit and testing my endurance and pace.

I’m not a betting woman, but I’d put every dollar I had on the fact that my friend Allyse would share my same exact feelings about running. We’ve bonded over our hobby and together we ran many miles over the last five years, participating in many weekend runs and even half marathons. Saturday morning runs with this gal just puts me in the best headspace after a long work week. I can feel myself decompressing with every footprint hitting the ground as we work to keep up with each other while simultaneously holding conversation. It’s not long before we’re talking up a storm and we’re blissfully unaware of the time that passes as we exercise.

Allyse is not only a running buddy - she’s also a long time friend from high school that I’ve had the pleasure of knowing for over a decade! I’ve stood by her side as she married her husband JB, and I proudly cried the first time I held her daughter Hallie a few days after she entered into the world.

I’m grateful for this woman’s friendship and our passion for running, and I’m so thankful to have friends who trust me to photograph their families! I wouldn’t have missed capturing the Bernhard family for the world. These holiday photos will be forever cherished for years to come - I picture Hallie, years from now, looking back on these pictures and remembering the friendship between Allyse and I. It’s thoughts like this that make my job completely worthwhile!

Here are a few of my favorites from the Bernhard Family session. Enjoy!