Ashley and Dennis

Working with Ashley and Dennis on their engagement session was just perfect. When I asked them what style images they had in mind, or what thoughts they had on the session, they just said “just some pretty pictures. Do what you do.” You gotta love a client that gives you free reign. We had a unique shoot in Georgetown, striking a balance between posed and spontaneous, light and serious imagery. When Dennis pulled out this hat, well, who wouldn’t be thrilled with that?!
Happy New Year everyone!

Merry Christmas!

The stockings were hung by the chimney with care,
In hopes that St Nicholas soon would be there….

Merry Christmas to all!
We’ll see you in 2012!

The Roundup

I’m finally here in North Carolina, with my husband’s family, preparing for Christmas by shopping, resting and generally hanging out. My mother-in-law is a chef, and my husband and his family is from Colombia, so we’re enjoying the most amazing food, as usual. Tamales, shrimp and scallops a la veracruzana, ajiaco…. just the best.

Everyone left for a movie just now, and I finally have a few minutes to reflect on the year. And what a year it has been.

Work has been really rewarding, as usual I have the best clients, but this year I’ve also had many opportunities to try new styles of work, to practice old techniques, to learn from master photographers, all in the ongoing quest to develop a style all my own. Here are a few favorite images from the last few weeks. I’ll keep posting till I catch up on this fall.

Hoping you’re having fun getting ready this holiday season, and surrounding yourselves with friends, family and great food.


Little Climbers

It’s been a busy fall! Just starting to catch up on fun posting and sharing of images….can it truly be December already? A few favorites from an earlier fall session with Heather’s family. These kids are among the most adventurous I’ve met!

As we’re finishing the session, I turn around, and the boys have climbed into the roots of this amazing fallen tree …
To give you a sense of how big this tree is, and how adventurous these kids are!
I think here I asked the family to just be themselves, and forget about the camera ๐Ÿ™‚

More soon!

Families at their Authentic Selves

As I’m preparing for a photoshoot where I am on the other side of the camera, as the subject, I’m beginning to freak out. What do I wear? How should I do my hair? Can I lose five pounds between now and Saturday?

How many times have I heard these questions from clients? Daily.
We’re so unfamiliar with how the world perceives us, because we’re well, busy living. But a camera turned on you can feel like a spotlight into the unknown.

The way I view my clients, and the way in which I try to capture them is as authentic, real beings. I try to capture the love among them and their families. I hope to freeze a flash of their true spirit in time.

Keeping this in mind, I’ll try to give up a little control and trust the experts that I’ll be working with this weekend, just as my clients trust in me. Wish me luck!

The rainbow of the fall

It’s not often that I get a chance to do a senior session, but this last week I had an opportunity to work with Ben, on perhaps the most beautiful day of the fall. Good luck in your Senior year, Ben!

Fall!

Is it really the middle of November? It’s been a really fun, really busy fall. Getting some great shots and great giggles…all giving me energy for this spirited season.

we’re moving!

To this great new place in Silver Spring….and our DC friends are not happy about it.

I feel like we should print and frame this picture to remember our days as DC city dwellers.


A Sweet Surprise

Two years ago this month, I did a mini session with Leslie and Cole. Leslie arranged the shoot with her, then 7 year old boy, as a surprise for her husband.

A few months ago, I received a call from Andre, Leslie’s husband, saying “I’m cooking up a surprise, and hoping you can be a part of it.” It turns out that Andre and Leslie are pregnant with their second child. Andre wanted to create a day to celebrate Leslie in her maternal beauty, full of hair, makeup, a day off of work, and a maternity photo shoot. I jumped at the chance to be a part of this super fun project. We did the shoot last week, Leslie telling me that she cried when Andre revealed the surprise. Tears of happiness, for sure. She’s so lovely, and made the perfect subject for the shoot. Many, many congratulations Leslie, Andre and Cole! I cannot wait to meet your new addition.

Fall Baby Love

Laura and Phillipe are friends from the yoga studio, Laura being an amazing yoga teacher. About a year ago, they gave birth to their first baby, Dahlia Coco. We spent a sun-drenched morning up in Rock Creek Park to capture the year mark. 

 aaaawwww. She was SO good all morning, had just HAD ENOUGH!
Better with Daddy.