Native Sky Photography blog » Maryland Newborn Photographer

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!

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!

More Baby “G” ~ Maryland Baby, Family, and Child Photographer

admin — Sun, 14 Mar 2010 13:55:45 +0000

As I was editing baby “G’s” photos I kept loving more and more of them…so I wanted to share a few more! He was just too darn cute! I would love to hear your thoughts so leave me some comments (aka “love!”) in the comment section under this post! Hope you enjoy this sweetie-pie!

Baby “G” at three months old! ~ Maryland Baby and Child Photographer

admin — Thu, 11 Mar 2010 16:18:44 +0000

I’m so excited to post this baby’s photos…he was a true pleasure to photograph! And I had the opportunity to do his mom’s belly photos as well, so this is a beautiful continuation of memories that I am blessed to help preserve. Baby “G” was as sweet and smiley as they come, and I couldn’t help smiling right along with him! What a doll… I hope you enjoy this sneak peek of one of the world’s cutest kiddos! And for the family, there is definitely more to come…. Congratulations on such happy, healthy, and amazing children!

It’s a wrap! Maryland Portrait Photographer

admin — Mon, 21 Dec 2009 21:20:42 +0000

I’m sitting here…thinking about this year and how it’s so quickly nearing the end. Every year about this time, many of us reflect on all that’s happened and how each moment, each day, each person has affected our lives, changed us, maybe disappointed us, or even inspired us… The year I happily said my vows to my husband and the years my sons came into this world were by far the most extraordinary and beautiful years of my life. This past year has been a remarkable one in it’s own right. Throwing caution to the wind is not unusual for me. I like to take risks. I love a good challenge. This year, however, has presented me with some of the most powerful challenges I’ve ever faced. And it’s been fantastic! I have experienced a sort of awakening, tackling each objection, and always being left with a feeling of complete exhilaration. I am truly living my dream! I have been blessed with more love, joy, and smiling faces than I ever imagined. In this post are some of my favorite photos, in random order, from the year’s sessions that I haven’t yet shared. I hope you enjoy a little peek into all that I’ve work hard on this year!

To all of my amazing friends outside and inside the photographer community, and to my phenomenal family, thank you, for your support, encouragement, and love. Words just can’t express how incredible you all are and how grateful I am for you.

Last but not least, although 2009 is coming to an end, it is still, as always, just the beginning. It’s a big world out there with so much yet for all of us to learn…Every day holds such promise and possibility! We all have dreams, wishes, hopes…what is yours? And what is keeping you from actively pursuing your dream? I want to tell you — Take that risk! Challenge yourself!

Now is the time and you can do it. It’s still just the beginning…

“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.