Children

the one I keep going back to | vienna, v.a. newborn and family photographer

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I always have a favorite image or two from each session.  Sometimes, they are the same ones that the family loves. Sometimes, they are not. Right now, I am in the middle of editing a recent newborn session and I just keep coming back to this image. It is by no means perfect. The focus is soft on the girls' hands and the composition could be better. But, despite all of its imperfections, I am so drawn to this picture. Maybe it is because we are in the midst of trying to grow our little family of three. And, in this picture, I see what I hope my own future will look like. Maybe, it is because the older child is so young that she can't possibly fully understand her new position in her expanding family, and, yet, she already has so much love for her tiny sister. Maybe, it is because it is simply a sweet moment.Whatever the reason, I love this image.  It is a favorite.

two! | virginia, maryland and washington, dc family photographer

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Today, our baby girl turns two!  This fact has pretty much leaves me at a loss for words.  Fortunately, I came across a sweet poem that captures my thoughts perfectly:

'words can be worrisome, people complex; motives and manners unclear.
grant her the wisdom to choose her path right, free from unkindness and fear.
let her tell stories, and dance in the rain, somersaults, tumble and run;
her joys must be high as her sorrows are deep, let her grow like a weed in the sun. help her to help herself, help her to stand, help her to lose, and to find.
teach her we’re only as big as our dreams,  show her that fortune is blind. truth is a thing she must find for herself, precious, and rare as a pearl; give her all these, and a little bit more, gifts for a blueberry girl.'

blueberry girl by neil gaiman

We had a little backyard party for her this past weekend.  I was so busy enjoying our friends and family that I have hardly any pictures.  But, after all of our guests had gone home, I bribed my little blueberry girl with a macaroon or three and took a few images before taking down the decorations.

Happy Birthday, Nora!

 

what to wear | spring family sessions | virginia, maryland and washington, dc family photographer

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  The question that I probably get asked most often related to family sessions is: "What should we wear?" My style of photography is relaxed and casual.  I live for capturing those small, in-between moments that tell that family's specific story.  So, I advise that clients to wear clothes that comfortable in.  Clothes that they feel great in.  Clothes that they feel themselves in.

I also tell clients to "coordinate, and not match" as a family.

But, if you are like me, that doesn't mean much without a visual aid. I recently put these two guides together as examples of the "Coordinating Approach" to dressing for a family shoot.

Hope this helps!!  And, as always, I am happy to work with anyone on specific outfit suggestions.

 

 

camera therapy

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  For a while now, I've followed the blog of the fabulous Rachel Devine.  You can't help but be drawn in by her wit, honesty, and of course her amazing photos.  She is literally one of my phootography inspirations.  So, when I heard that she was going to be having a workshop in DC of all places, I jumped at the chance to attend.  It was my very first workshop and I admit, I was a wee bit nervous.  But, from the moment I met Rachel (and her amazing assistant Meredith), that apprehension melted away.  Instead, I had an incredible time learning alongside an impressive group of photographers.  I am excited to keep learning, to keep shooting and to keep doing what I love.

These are some of my favorite images I took from that day: