Yesterday I had the privledge of joining 18 other photographers for The Sugar Shoot in Richmond, VA. I remember when Katelyn first announced it, it was exactly the fun kind of workshop I was looking for. I've always loved Katelyn's style and fun personality and knew it would be right up my alley.. and she is an incredible business woman as well. She explained how she has become successful and encouraged each of us to not give up or look around us and see what other photographers are doing, and be true to our own style. We had a two... Continue reading

You might remember newborn photos of this little cutie pie. He is such a doll baby. I can't believe six months has passed already! It was time for some updated portraits. I met up with Olivia on my birthday ( hey, lunch and portraits.. an awesome day!) It was one of those perfect, warm days that just come randomly in February. and.. Liv is the most awesome friend and refers me great business.. lots of Spring baby mini sessions with some of her Old Town Moms playgroup booked for April and May.. so lots of cute babies coming soon. Iove... Continue reading

I thought it would be fun to enter the photo challenge over at "I heart Faces" this morning. The Theme was "hearts" including a human face in the photo. Perfect since I just snapped this photo of my son last week. I have so many fun ideas to get out and hopefully snap sometime this week. Let's hope my little man cooperates. Continue reading

I heart Valentine's day. I mean how can you not love a day all about LOVE. I may or may not have gone a little crazy buying stuff from Etsy...some really fun valentine props.. stay tuned. Continue reading

I have to admit when I first saw Audrey I thought she was just such a beautiful little girl with dark hair and green, green eyes. Oh and her personality. She is just the cutest little thing. She loves to talk and talk. I love that. Especially since my kids are usually pretty quiet in front of people they don't know well... but not Audrey. She opened right up. She was pretty willing to go with any ideas I had and then some! Funniest thing ever in the car.. " Me- : So do you like boys?" Her- "Oh yes..... Continue reading

Things making me happy this week: -This workshop with photographer Katelyn James. I've always loved her work.. and a stylized workshop with a gorgeous model in a candy shop? Super fun. Can't wait! I always love learning new things at workshops and getting the opportunity to add fun shots to my portfolio.. and of course meeting new friends who share the same passion. - Fun photography GTG's this week. ( 2) This year I've put myself out there more and have been amazed at all the sweet friends I have made who are so willing to share their knowledge with... Continue reading

I have to say I am a HUGE fan of fun photography props.. how fun would these be for a Valentine's shoot or any shoot really? Well you can have a chance to win these! I already put my name in the hat.. go to http://www.facebook.com/#!/note.php?note_id=121005607967901&id=285207890858 I think I may just have to order some from the Etsy shop! ( Whisker works) I might just be slighly in love with them. Good luck! Continue reading

I had the pleasure last month to photograph my friend Stephanie's new baby Emmie. I've taken photos of her kids before.. and I have to admit.. they are some of my favorite children to photograph.. so amazingly beautiful. and.. my heart melted when in between takes I got a chance to hold her and she looked up with those newborn eyes that study you. There is nothing sweeter in the world than a newborn baby. Even with the lack of sleep... Now that Winter is here I'm looking forward to a little down time photography wise.. unless any more newborns... Continue reading

I love Christmas. Christmas to me always feels cozy. Decorating my house .Fuzzy warm socks. Christmas parties. Christmas cookies. Hot chocolate by the fireplace. Yankee candles Home for the holidays burning. Christmas music playing while I'm relaxing. Christmas traditions. My Christmas shopping is done. Presents are wrapped. Ready to spend the Holidays with family.. and missing some that can't be with us. Wishing all of you a beautiful Holiday season....and remember what Christmas is really all about. The birth of our Saviour! ( .....and his gift is free!) HAPPY NEW YEAR 2011! Here are some of my favorite images from... Continue reading

Have you even seen a poodle this big?? I think this image is one of my favorites from the Holland family shoot. I feel like his eyes just pierce right through me. Laura is the sister of one of my best friend's from middle school. She's super sweet.. her kids are pretty cute! (as well as her poodle).... I did a couple shoots for her this year. One business related, that was a crazy day.. I think that may have been a first for a family emergency in the middle of a shoot ( but the shoot must go on),... Continue reading

On a bit of a personal note today. My daughter just turned 16. I remember the day when I couldn't believe she was a teenager.. and now she is 16. How does this happen so quickly? So... on her birthday I suprised her with a limo to come pick up her and 7 of her very best friends for dinner at Bucca di Beppo in D.C. Waiting was a candy bar, chocolate fountain and a little party at the house after. Oh and I may have splurged a little on the cake. You only turn 16 once. I'm so proud... Continue reading

A few weeks ago I drove down to Richmond to meet up with my best friend, Petra. We go way back. We met in church when we were in our twenties.. wow.. has it been that long?? We were in the same Sunday school class and she commented that she had the same shoes as me and I commented that she looked way too young to have three kids. That started a great friendship, we had some crazy times.. times we can't speak of.. and the worst of times. We have seen each other at our lowest lows.. and happiest... Continue reading

This quote is so true for me. I love that I have made photography my job. I love photographing families. I love seeing love and beauty in each different family I photograph. Last weekend I offered Fall mini sessions, I got to meet a couple really sweet families with the cutest children, Lily, Ella and Maya ( Oh I love these names!) Miss Ella was so giggly.. I don't think I got a shot without her giggling, where Maya was more serious and baby Lily was so curious. ... and I forgot how much I love this litte town, Occoquan.... Continue reading

This little beauty is a friend of mine's daughter. I hadn't seen her in a good while but when I did, her features were just so amazing I had to photograph her. At first she was reluctant to do a photoshoot.. but then she really opened up and shined. I think her images might be some of my very favorites! I'v decided I really love shooting children. I love their innocence and playfulness. I hope to get more into styling and photographing children. In fact I have some fun ideas for a shoot this week. I am super thankful for... Continue reading

I got the privledge to shoot for fun with the talented, Sara-Anne Photography this past weekend, when she shot Alexis for the VA High School Next top model. She's a friend of mine and super talented. I always say its awesome to be around other creative photographers, there is always so much you can learn. The next day I had breakfast with Sara- Anne and we had fun chatting about photography, life and who we loved in the industry. I love creative minds. The girls had so much fun modeling. I think it's great for their self confidence and just... Continue reading

I Love big families. I love that big families seem to be the happiest families with children who are taught great values, like helping one another, respecting their parents and the value of all working together. Being the mother of two I know how hard it can be, and big families have my greatest respect. I loved meeting the Jackson family. They were refered to me from my best friend, they are actually her cousin. We met up at Chatham Manor in Frederickburg, so beautiful. I remembered it from a couple years back when I did some of my own... Continue reading

Don't you all die of a heart attack. I actually scrapbooked this weekend. I remember when people actually came to my blog to be inspired, I kind of lost that for the last two years. It's good to take a break sometimes though. Focus on yourself. Heal. I used to be so wrapped up in get pages published, or being on the coolest design teams, and when that is fun and all, ( and I will have to admit, that money was nice),life sometimes has a way of falling apart sometimes and you are forced to look at the bigger... Continue reading

My sweet boy turned seven yesterday. I really remember like it was yesterday giving birth to him. Where does the time go? I hate that cliche, but it is so true. He's been through so much in the last couple years, and he's tough. Resilient. He always bounces back so happy and full of life. I was very happy when he didn't want a birthday party this year, all he wanted was to go to King's Dominion with us, have me make him a homemade cake... and lots of Star War Legos of course! What he wasn't too happy with... Continue reading

I had the pleasure of photographing my good friend Olivia's sweet little boy, Joseph yesterday. He's only 9 days old..and wow.. so tiny. You forget that your kids were ever that small. Sigh.. I loved holding him, so fragile. so beautiful. He was perfect.. slept most of the time. He only cried a bit at the end, when he was done he definately let me know. I'm so happy for Olivia and Bill.. she was recently remarried a year ago, they each had a boy and a girl the same age,everyone thinks their twins,and this is their third child together.... Continue reading

Would describe Tara. I love that she wanted to do a fun session in her neighborhood, for her PR firm and just some fun shots of herself. You can't get much a much better location than in the heart of D.C's Capitol Hill. We had a great time walking around the city, looking for great locations, chatting. Even a few odd looks from the security guards. I love that she had all kinds of ideas, like her with a martini, with her PR coffee mug, her mad men inspired outfits. Brilliant. I love that women can be indepedent, on their... Continue reading