Native Sky Photography blog » La Plata Children’s Photographer

Down to Earth Family | Maryland Family Portrait Photographer

admin — Tue, 14 Jun 2011 02:12:28 +0000

I had a BLAST photographing this fabulous (and gorgeous!) family on their farm a few weeks ago! SO excited as we tooled all around their land in a Jeep-style ATV so we could get some beautiful hunting shots of the dad and his boys…. Then ending up near the water where we hopped into a little motor boat to get even more shots there. This is definitely a family that knows how to have fun together! In just the few hours I spent with them, it was clear that they were not the type to sit still for very long. And I love that! This is a time in their lives that they wanted to remember through photographs… a visual journal of what is most important to them each and every day – Family, fun, and living life to the fullest. The children were so very polite and well-mannered, confident and smart, witty and kind… Clearly these parents have taught their four children well. And without doubt, there is a whole lotta love between and among them all! Enjoy some of my favorite shots of this beautiful family!

Tara Staton’s DC Workshop | DC, Virginia, and Maryland Portrait Photographer

admin — Sat, 05 Feb 2011 19:50:07 +0000

So last September I hosted a workshop for Tara Staton, an incredible photographer, instructor, mentor, and friend. It was one of the most phenomenal experiences I’ve ever had! To organize and prepare for Tara’s workshop, I canvassed this great city of ours with ardent fervor and a powerful determination to leave no stone unturned regarding locations, permits, lodging, facilities, transportation, and entertainment! I also have the fortune of knowing lots of wonderful and gorgeous locals who I (and with the help of attendee Stacey Bahr – thank you, Stacey! And friend, Jennifer Burns – thank you, Jennifer!) recruited as willing and enthusiastic models, and all of the workshop attendees were truly thrilled to have them as their subjects. We had the opportunity to work with families, children, couples, and high school seniors. This was my first time shooting seniors, and I had a BLAST! I can’t wait to photograph more of them! And aahhh…the attendees! What a fabulous group of gals! It was such a blessing to meet these ladies and learn with them. We got to know each other very well and forged great friendships that will last, for sure. I also spent lots of time talking with the National Park Service as well as the super-nice folks at the Capitol Police Headquarters to learn all I would need to know for shooting in the city, and who had jurisdiction over which sections of DC — I had to make sure that we were following all the rules, obeying all the laws, and that we were obtaining all the necessary permits for our locations. For nearly four days we gathered at the vacation rental I lined up in the city for lodging and class time, and then we traveled with Dave Hinton from DTT Transportation (definitely look him up next time you travel to and within the city — Dave is fantastic!) to various and diverse locations for hands-on shooting practice with our models. Not only did I learn more about photography and how to create spectacular images, but I also learned so much about myself and what I am capable of accomplishing. I also discovered more amazing things about Washington DC…and I feel like I know that city (almost) like the back of my hand. What a triumph for me – personally and professionally! I want to thank Tara for her kindness and for sharing her experiences, knowledge, and skill with me and all the attendees. And to the attendees – I am so fortunate to have met you, and I look forward to staying in touch! It was a workshop that I will always look back on fondly. Here are some of my favorite images from those four days — have a look at these shots of our exquisite models!

Now this is family… | Maryland Family Portrait Photographer

admin — Sat, 29 Jan 2011 00:59:25 +0000

Ahhh….family. Once again I had the pleasure of photographing this dynamic collection of spirited people. Aunts, uncles, moms, dads, cousins, sisters, brothers…. This family is a delight to be around and I loved every moment working with them! So kind…. They truly understand that all of their distinct personalities, characters, and talents combined with the love they have for each other genuinely encourage such intense and powerful bonds to last a lifetime. All of them together…it’s a sight to see! Beautiful inside and out! As always, I have so many favorites to share. Please have a look and leave a comment…and to the family here, I hope you love these golden images as much as I do! Thank you for having me around to capture the love! and p.s. – The day wouldn’t have been complete without a tractor ride at the end…see the joy on those sweet little faces??!!!

Dream Family | Maryland Family and Child Portrait Photographer

admin — Sat, 24 Jul 2010 15:36:36 +0000

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!

Navy Baby ~ Maryland Baby, Family, and Portrait Photographer

admin — Tue, 16 Mar 2010 02:49:36 +0000

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!

Textures — Maryland Portrait Photographer

admin — Sat, 30 Jan 2010 14:43:52 +0000

Lately I’ve been experimenting with textures and different vintage effects with my photos, and I love the look! This gives such an interesting and unique feel to the image. What do you think? Leave a comment and let me know your thoughts!

“T” Family Session — Maryland Family Photographer

admin — Wed, 28 Oct 2009 02:10:15 +0000

While driving to Charlotte Hall to photograph my second-ever home birth, I got a call from the mother of four asking if I could fit her in as soon as possible so that I could capture her sweet two-week old baby girl. I was thrilled! This amazing mom has three boys already and now she has her girl! The day of the session was a stressful one for the mom but even so, she was one of those sweet and gracious people you hope to meet every day, just to be reminded that there are definitely good people all around us. Thank you so much for having me over that day to see you and your beautiful little girl.