Photographing these two was such a blast! I couldn’t have asked for a more gorgeous day or a more stunning couple! Frank and Jamie were absolutely adorable to observe — sooooo in love. Both are big sports fanatics which couldn’t be more fitting because they themselves make an awesome team. We met at the National Harbor — a super-cool (relatively new!) place with great restaurants, shopping, and activities galore. I am excited for this couple and their new life together! In April they will fly off to the islands for a destination wedding and I just know they are going to have a beautiful celebration. Frank and Jamie, I wish you all the best in your adventures together! You are truly fabulous people who have so much to offer each other. Congratulations, you two!
Couldn’t resist sharing a few more engagement photos of Christos and Valerie taken back in April! Photographing their wedding was such a beautiful experience and I can’t wait to add their wedding photos to the blog! While I had a moment though, I just had to add these to the blog. Check back soon for those shots of their amazing big day…. In the meantime, enjoy this little bunch of sweet moments of love between these two. Gorgeous!
So I got to be the 2nd shooter at another wedding! And as an extra bonus, I had the privilege of working with one of my greatest photography mentors, Julia MacInnis! Such an honor! Julia has a big heart and big talent, so I knew it would be a gorgeous day. And I was right! Emily and Luke are such a sweet couple — that’s easy to see just at a glance. After spending the day with them, we discovered just how awesome they were! So laid back, so kind, and so beautiful. I feel honored to have been part of their special day, and so grateful to help document it. A big thank you also to Julia who invited me along… I loved every minute of working with you! These are just some of my favorites from the day…I hope you all love these photos as much as I loved shooting them!
This was the first time I’d been up to Fairfax Station and WOW — LOVE this area! And this family was such a treat! They are always on the go and rarely have time for family portraits, so they called me to set up a date to finally get those images taken…and I’m WAY glad they did! The entire session was done on their property and I couldn’t have asked for better light, though I did try to ask for cooler temps — it was hot hot HOT!!! Even at 10am! But this family was full of energy and big, beautiful smiles (and just a few quiet and subdued moments!), and we had a blast working together. Photographing such a sweet family of four, along with the beautiful mother and her daughter, and the lovely and delightful grandparents were the best way to start my day. Of course, as always, I found it hard to stop snapping away….but they graciously put up with me and let me do my thing (thanks, guys!). I absolutely love what we ended up with… Hope you enjoy it too. Have a look!
This family has touched my heart…absolutely. Even if we had never had a conversation but had only stood near each other, I believe I would have been able to sense their innate goodness, simply because it radiates from their soulful eyes, genuine smiles, and wraps itself around you like a breeze. I am honored to have worked with them once again, and once again they made me feel welcome as I crafted images of this one moment that will last a lifetime. Although it was an intensely hot and humid evening, you never would have known it by looking at them! Their confidence shines brightly and it is clear that they truly understand the power of family. They love each other deeply, and you’ll see that here… Enjoy these shots of this beautiful family!
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!
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