Sometimes I think I’m just the luckiest girl… How IS it that I end up connecting and photographing the most amazing people? I mean, my “job” includes the privilege of spending time with phenomenal human beings, hearing their fascinating stories, eliciting bright and genuine smiles, and creating images for them that last a lifetime. Don’t get me wrong — this “job” isn’t always easy. In fact, behind every photo, there is so much more than most people realize. But it’s a challenge I adore… It keeps me on my toes and I like that!
However….I do have to say that a lot of the time my job does seem pretty easy! This family illustrates exactly what I’m talking about… They are brilliant, gracious, dynamic, and grounded. They know what is important in life — love, trust, honesty, faith, and kindness. Photographing them this day was pure pleasure for me! The weather was exquisite and the light sheer perfection. Six month-old baby “N’ was such a serious little guy at the start. Totally loved sucking in his bottom lip — adorable! But he quickly got used to my camera and silly noises and gave us sweet smiles all around! And the mom and dad….I love encouraging parents get portraits together — this can be a rare occurrence and they truly deserve a special spot in the limelight that is all their own. Naturally we included Bella, their cute little pomeranian! She was a tough cookie to follow but did her very best to pose for a few shots. Big thanks to the “E” family for being such a dream to capture… Enjoy this (big) sneak peek of your session! See you soon!
What greater thing is there for human souls than to feel that they are joined for life – to be with each other in silent unspeakable memories.
– George Eliot
This family truly understands what it means to just be with each other and to create sweet and vivid memories of summer on St. George’s Island in Southern Maryland. These three incredible families traveled here to be together, to laugh, to love, and to strengthen those alliances that represent and define who they are, where they came from, and quite possibly, where they are going.
When I arrived on that hot, humid, and hazy day to photograph these nine beautiful children, ages 1 to 14, it was instantly clear to me that they all appreciated each unique connection they had with one another. I was struck by the natural joy and honest spirit they all embodied and a joyous display of what childhood should be like! I had SO MUCH FUN photographing them! I loved that they genuinely care for each other and if there was ever any discord, I didn’t see it. All nine children were so polite and kind, and just inherently so! I knew beforehand that this session was to capture the essence of these children for their Nana who loves them so dearly, and it was extremely important to me that I do my best to bring out their sweet spirits as well as their individuality on this day. And so, these are photos of the amazing brothers, sisters, cousins…the way I saw them….and of the unwavering love and devotion they have for each other.
By the way…. One of the hardest things about my job is deciding whether to process some photos with vibrant color …or striking black and whites…so I included both here! I just love them all….
Who do you think of when you hear the words “sunny disposition” ? And how does this person make you feel? I think of this little guy, right away! “G” is truly a happy baby, through and through, and every time I see him, he makes me smile and laugh with his perfect cuteness! And just look at those amazing blue eyes! So vibrant! I think I could say with quite a lot of certainty that “G” is a smiley, giggly baby with a sunny disposition, almost 100% of the time. Knowing his parents and big brother, this fact doesn’t surprise me. They too are incredibly positive, kind, and gracious people, and those qualities have definitely taken their place inside this little baby’s heart. His expressions show such JOY and it’s totally clear when you see him in his photos. This is the third time I’ve worked with the “V” family — taking the gorgeous Mom’s belly photos, then “G’s” three month photos, and now his six month photos! We had a lot of fun using their yard as a pretty backdrop, and soaking in that awesome early evening sun. We had two sessions — this one being the first half. Before we left on vacation to visit my family in Arizona I dashed over to their house to get these shots and then finished the session when I got back… So check back to see more family photos from “V” session part 2! Enjoy this super happy baby!
“He is my other eyes that can see above the clouds; my other ears that hear above the winds. He is the part of me that can reach out into the sea. He has told me a thousand times over that I am his reason for being; by the way he rests against my leg; by the way he thumps his tail at my smallest smile; by the way he shows his hurt when I leave without taking him. (I think it makes him sick with worry when he is not along to care for me.) When I am wrong, he is delighted to forgive. When I am angry, he clowns to make me smile. When I am happy, he is joy unbounded. When I am a fool, he ignores it. When I succeed, he brags. Without him, I am only another man. With him, I am all-powerful. He is loyalty itself. He has taught me the meaning of devotion. With him, I know a secret comfort and a private peace. He has brought me understanding where before I was ignorant. His head on my knee can heal my human hurts. His presence by my side is protection against my fears of dark and unknown things. He has promised to wait for me… whenever… wherever – in case I need him. And I expect I will – as I always have. He is just my dog.” – Gene Hill
Mr. Hill’s words above, with one exception, quite accurately describe how dogs have affected and influenced me throughout my life. The exception being that I have never felt “all-powerful” in my dog’s presence as Mr. Hill expressed…. Quite the opposite, actually. I am often humbled by my dogs, especially knowing how perfectly sublime their love is and how hopelessly flawed I am… but how impossible it is for them to see that. Maybe they just choose not to make a big deal of their divine spirits or my crummy shortcomings. Either way, even though I continue to trip up in my life, they still think I am incredible, and that humbles me and encourages me to try to be as amazing as they perceive me to be, even though I know I will never, ever in reality reach such heights. But it’s good and right to try….and for the reward of their truest, purest love, it’s well worth the effort.
Last Sunday afternoon I met “K” and her dog Mozart for a sunny afternoon session…. and I was humbled once again to be invited to witness and document the powerful bond these two share. Only those who have experienced such a bond between dogs and their humans can fully recognize the strength it holds. I felt so honored and simply elated to be brought into this world of theirs that only the two of them can truly comprehend. These two are clearly breathtaking on the outside, but most importantly, possess beautiful souls on the inside. It’s not by chance that these two crossed each other’s path at just the right moment… It was decided long ago that Mozart and “K” needed each other, and though the place and time would appear a coincidence, their encounter was destined to happen at an instant and on a level we’ll never be able to fathom. They are a pair…who share a powerful, equally mutual admiration for each other. And it’s such a delight to observe, because I know that they will never, ever let each other down. I know all this, because I saw it. Have a look for yourself:
“My goal in life is to be as good of a person as my dog already thinks I am” -author unknown
“Until one has loved an animal, a part of one’s soul remains unawakened.” – Anatole France
SO much fun (and well, general busy-ness!) has been happening in my life and though I’ve been working hard, I haven’t had time to blog about everything I’ve been working on! But one thing I’m really excited about lately that I want the world to know about is this great collection of hair accessories designed by Chandra Robinson of Pink and Pigtails on etsy.com. Chandra uses an array of materials that feature vibrant colors, exciting textures, and deep contrasts that result in unique, one-of-a-kind pieces of beauty, versatility, and comfort. For occasions that are either fun or formal, there is definitely something in her etsy shop for that! The quality and customer service she provides is unmatched, and she is just as thrilled about designing and creating as you will be when you receive her work! I highly recommend that you check out Pink and Pigtails on etsy! You’ll be glad you did! Not only is Chandra someone who creates beautiful headbands, bows, clips, hats (and more!) for little girls, tweens, teens, and young adults, but she has also become someone I can call a friend. Chandra, thank you for reaching out to me… I truly value your friendship. Our paths were meant to cross and believe me, I consider myself so blessed to know you! I’ll see you soon!
Here is just a small representation of Chandra’s work, with more to come. Enjoy!
I’ve fallen behind on my blogging mostly because there are so many awesome shots of Valerie and Chris, and I just can’t stop myself! I’m in the middle of editing their photos from our 2nd session (we weren’t able to finish our shoot the first day due to an emergency on the metro), but I just wanted to share a few more of this truly fantastic couple from that 1st session. The 2nd session is coming soon….so check back ~ you won’t be disappointed! These two are stunning and knocked it out of the park once again!! For now, enjoy a few more photos from that first fabulous day!
She simply glows….his expressions radiate…and together they make a brilliant couple whose eyes are intensely focused on a powerfully bright future. They are infinitely in love and the energy they create together is so genuine that I couldn’t help but feel it too…and it made me happy just to be around them. Valerie and Christos make a dynamic pair who truly have it all — major intelligence, innate kindness, a playful spirit, and simply put, sheer gorgeousness! Both are natives of Virginia who adore their families and friends, and they take every opportunity to spend time with all of them, understanding the blessings and treasures that each alliance holds. Christos proposed to Valerie on the beach last May, surrounded by friends and Corolla’s wild horses, and so their love was taken to a blazing new height. They asked me to document their wedding this October, and I am honored. Here are just some of their engagement photos, taken at the Smithsonian Castle on a sunny, golden Saturday. Valerie and Chris, thank you so much for such an amazing day with you two! I absolutely can’t wait to see you both again, very soon! Enjoy!
I can’t get enough of this family! So of course I knew I would want to share more…. The kids are so full of character (notice the impish lift of her eyebrow in the first photo?) and sweetness of it all… the mother’s love, the father’s pride, the fun of aunts and uncles, the tight-knit closeness of family….I love every bit of it. I know you will too….so here are more! And please leave a comment or two to let us all know your thoughts!
It’s really tough for me to describe how pure and kind-hearted this family is…words can’t truly tell of the rare and extraordinary essence they possess that just makes these people glow. For the second time they welcomed me into their home and again I felt so comfortable, like I have known them for years. I had such a great time photographing them that I came away with more than my usual number of shots so it’s going to take me a little longer to process them all…and you can bet there will be another blog entry because keeping these gorgeous people under wraps would be a cryin’ shame!
Last time I had the honor of photographing their baby who was three months-old then. Now he’s almost seven months-old and growing into his “Little Man” clothes so fast! Today he was joined by his cousins — three year-old “L” and ten month-old “J.” All three of them together was an adorable sight to see! I hope you love this sneak peek of the kids as much as I do, with more to come…. What a way to kick off a beautiful spring!
Sometimes life throws you for one HUGE loop…. And it can be enough to test your faith in an equally big way. As a result, you must choose one of two options — you could either let it bring you down and then end up destroyed, or, even through the pain, you can count your blessings and celebrate life! The “K” family just happens to have chosen the latter and are embracing the sweet joys of a beautiful existence here on earth.
A few years ago I met “D” while browsing at Kohl’s. She was about 8 months pregnant with a baby girl, pushing a stroller with another gorgeous little girl inside, and as moms often do, we just started chatting about (what seemed like) everything under the sun. And as they say, “The rest is history!” — We’ve been great friends ever since! She is one of those beautiful and amazing moms who just have it all together — she understands what “family” truly means and is totally fulfilled in every capacity as a wife and mother.
One day her life was turned upside-down when her husband, a Navy pilot, was diagnosed with a brain tumor. What followed was an unimaginable and frightening series of tests, consultations, heartbreak, tears, and countless prayers. ”D” remembers that time as just a blurry passing of one day to another, and said she was almost paralyzed by the fear of losing the love of her life. They spent long hours at National Naval Medical Center where Dr. Mulligan performed the miraculous surgery that removed the tumor. This surgery happened exactly one year ago on St. Patrick’s Day. Incredibly, “S” has made a full recovery and he and his family will forever be grateful to Dr. Mulligan, the ICU nurses, interns, and entire staff at NNMC. The magnitude of this miracle is not lost on the “K” famliy….they know how fragile and delicate life can be, and they really know how blessed they are to have not just survived this traumatic event, but to celebrate and truly cherish all that God has given to them. ”D” and “S” are strong and resilient and have come through the scariest moment in their life together…and I know it’s because of the pure goodness in their hearts that they have been blessed yet again…this time with beautiful baby boy “K,” third in the “K” family series! Happy St. Patrick’s Day and the One Year Anniversary of your surgery, “S”! Here’s to many years of health and happiness! Cheers!
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