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!

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….

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

Here is just a small representation of Chandra’s work, with more to come.  Enjoy!