Native Sky Photography blog » Maryland Wedding Photographer

Laura & Scott ~ 10-1-11 | Southern Maryland Wedding Photographer

admin — Wed, 18 Jan 2012 19:57:18 +0000

Back in October I had the great honor of photographing the wedding of two of the kindest, warmest souls I’ve encountered in a long, long time. I’m desperately behind on blogging (and well…lots of other things too) as a result of several unexpected and wonderful things which have occurred in my life since their wedding (of which I will fill you all in on later…), yet Laura and Scott remained patient and always, always gracious in the weeks following their amazing day. And what a fabulous day it was! The forecast promised thunderstorms….but just as the celebrations got underway, the clouds parted and the skies were aglow with stunning color and dramatic light! My incredible partner, Jacie Lee Almira, was once again my trusty and artsy sidekick, and I am thankful to her for lending us her fantastic talent and super fun personality to this day! Thank you for all you do for me, Jacie! Woodlawn Farm Bed and Breakfast provided a gorgeous location (contact Jim Grube for all the details) and the classic, rustic touches gave a warm and cozy feel to the entire event. Laura and Scott were surrounded by their closest friends and family, which made this first day of the rest of their lives absolutely perfect. And as a special surprise for Scott, a Scottish bagpiper came to entertain everyone just as the reception began! Laura and Scott, thank you so much for inviting me to document your wedding….it truly was an honor for me and I am beyond grateful to have worked with and for you both. Enjoy these beautiful images of your wedding…. Congratulations, you two!

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!

Jamie & Frank ~ Engaged! | Maryland Engagement and Wedding Photographer

admin — Fri, 29 Oct 2010 21:07:04 +0000

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!

Pink and Pigtails ~ on Etsy! | Maryland etsy photographer

admin — Tue, 18 May 2010 18:07:54 +0000

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!

Valerie and Chris ~ More to love! | Maryland Wedding and Engagement Photographer

admin — Sun, 25 Apr 2010 22:48:21 +0000

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!

Valerie & Christos, engaged! ~ Maryland Wedding Photographer

admin — Wed, 07 Apr 2010 17:52:42 +0000

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!

The fabulous friends I made at Scarlett Lillian’s workshop – Maryland Portrait Photographer

admin — Fri, 12 Feb 2010 02:50:22 +0000

I really wanted to take a moment to introduce you all to some of the amazing women I met at Scarlett Lillian’s workshop this past weekend in Jacksonville, Florida. These ladies are unique and amazing on so many levels, and I consider myself extremely blessed and honored to have worked alongside them. In a very short period of time, we shared experiences that have made us into the people and photographers we are today, and in the process found a depth of understanding and common ground to stand on and support each other… All the while shooting to our heart’s desire and creating images that made us proud! Thank you all! This has been an experience I will never forget and I hope to stay in touch with every one of you!

First up is our fearless, fabulous leader herself, Miss Scarlett!

Next is my adorable Canadian roommate, Erin Campbell:

And then there’s the super-cool Jess McCrea:

Also the super-smart Leeann Marie: (Photo by Lydia Shannon)

And the awesomely funny Lydia Shannon: (Photo by Lan Bui)

Also the sweet Kayla Mercedes:

Here’s down-to-earth Heather Caudill:

Easy-going and sweet Susan Justice: (Website in the works!)

And last, but certainly not least, the Bui Brothers…We are so fortunate to have met and hung out with these guys while they filmed us for Scarlett during the workshop. They are well-established leaders in this industry but have not forgotten where they came from, and blessed us with kindness and graciousness as they willingly shared their experiences and gave us priceless advice. Thank you both! We are all so grateful!

First, Vu Bui:

And Lan Bui (with Stephen Knuth and his Starbucks in the background!):

In the coming days I will have more workshop photos and experiences to blog…. I SO loved every minute of this and look forward to hanging out with all the girls, Scarlett, Stephen Knuth, and the Bui Brothers again one day! Thank you all again for your intense hard work and brilliance in putting together this workshop for us. It was awesome!

Scarlett Lillian’s Workshop Teaser – Maryland Wedding and Engagement Photographer

admin — Tue, 09 Feb 2010 01:59:57 +0000

I just got home tonight from an intense workshop led by the fabulous Scarlett Lillian in Jacksonville, Florida! It was a mind-blowing weekend of friendship, photos, and FUN…all of which I will blog more about when I get some much-needed shut-eye! For now, here are two photos I created of the stunning Whitney Thompson, winner of America’s Next Top Model season 10!! Don’t forget to leave me some love!!