Keeping Me on My Toes
11.17.2008
Peyton and Ava lucked into unseasonably warm weather for our session. Perhaps it's the location. Every winter session I've ever had here has been warm and sunny. Little Miss Peyton is two years old already if you can believe it, and in classic two year old style she was on the move. See for yourself:
I couldn't resist this shot of her on her tippy-toes, doing service to those meant-for-show ballet slippers. No, they are not wasted on this little ball of energy!
And if two year old Peyton made me work for it, sweet little Ava gave it to me for free. I spent about an hour chasing Peyton and working hard fo rthe smiles, and then Ava and I wrapped her shots up in about 20 minutes. She was all smiles, all the time. Easy peasy. This one's a little model in the making.
Tis the Season!
11.15.2008
I've been a busy busy bee with Christmas Card orders, which reminds me to remind those of you I haven't heard from:
The holiday card gallery showcases twelve new holiday card designs for 2008, as well as fifteen popular designs from previous years. Most cards are sized at 5x7, come with envelopes, and ship for standard postage. This year, I have also added two beautiful 5x5 tri-fold cards, which have six sides on which to showcase your family. They are printed on high quality art paper, come with envelopes, and because they are square, require additional postage. Holiday photo cards are a wonderful way to show how your family has grown or changed over the year, as well as to share your professioanl photos without the expense of buying large prints for your entire family. The ordering deadline for holiday cards is December 1st.
A sample of a foldable greeting card:
Front Cover
Inside Spread
Back Cover
Sessions can no longer be scheduled to meet a Christmas deadline, but Christmas card orders from completed sessions can be ordered until December 1st. I will not be booking sessions in December, but look forward to seeing you again in 2009!
Excitement of Childhood
10.30.2008
When I mentioned to Meridian that there was a new Magic Treehouse book out, she started jumping with excitement, which led to this impromptu photoshoot and storyboard.
Free Spirit
10.25.2008
I just love it when parents play with their kids at a session. It gives me the opportunity to capture those authentic moments that happen in families when they're alone. The first shot below for instance, we were all walking towards our next shooting destination in the park. Jen and I were ahead lost in conversation, and we looked back to see this moment between Dad and son.
I loved these shots too - perfectly capturing what it is to be 20 months: on the move with two parents constantly chasing after you. I love the tongue too - he's totally aware of his power. Cute little devil.
Jen and Jeff - thanks for allowing me to spend the morning with your family and capture your moments. Jase is adorable, as I'm sure you already know. I hope to have the rest of the gallery to you after the weekend.
Windswept
10.22.2008
Millie-the-Mermaid and Blaise-All-Boy are two of my favoritest little people out there. (Favoritest: adj. Most favorite. Hereby established as an official word, and inducted into the vernacular of all readers.) Millie and Blaise know me quite well, and so were their usual ball-of-energy selves, climbing up sand dunes, walking balance-beam-style along their ridges, chasing me up the beach, and then being chased by me. And in the midst of our fun and games, we snapped away and captured their portraits, invigorated by the salty beach breezes.
Sweet Elijah
10.18.2008
How do these family titles work? This is my tiniest cousin, the son of my husband's cousin. So, does that technically make him my first-cousin-once-removed, my second cousin, or my second-cousin-once-removed? Well, titles aside, I think you have to confess that this chubby little bucket of love is simply darling!
I do.
10.16.2008
My long-time friend, and former roommate Bruce, is a talented photo hobbyist. As with all of his hobbies, he has thrown himself into this one with a tremendous thirst. So, when his little brother, Nic, proposed to his girlfriend Brandy earlier this year, Bruce was all too happy to become the event's photographer, and invited me along to help him capture the event.
Nic and Brandy began dating in middle school more than a decade ago. You read right! Middle school! The best and most interesting part of that was watching these families interact - these two families who in a way have had years to become one family. Brandy, it must be said, is a total sweetheart whose spirit just shines. And no offense to you Nic, but she trumps you in the sweet department every day of the week. Thanks to both of you for inviting me to share in your most precious day. I hope you enjoy the photos.
Alicia from Batter Up Cake Company in Richmond was on hand to build the cake and I had the opportunity to capture her in action. Aside from looking completely awesome, the cake tasted fantastic, so props to Alicia for a job well done!
As the female of the two photographers, I got the lucky task of hanging out with Brandy while she prepared for the day. Her mom was such a trooper and managed, against all odds, not to turn into a runny mascara mess while she helped Brandy into her wedding dress, and passed along "something old".
I liked this sweet moment when the flower girl, (Nic's niece Sydney), took hold of Brandy's hand in the moments before she was ready to walk down the aisle.
Bruce shot the coming-down-the-aisle shots from the front of the ceremony site, while I positioned myself on one of the balconies for some shots from above.
If it starts to look like this is unbelievable fun for everyone right down to the officiant, well, ...that'd be accurate. Some back story: the officiant, Amanda, grew up across the street from Nic. The family joke is that Amanda was going to marry Nic one day, ...and today (in her role as officiant) she did just that. So what looks like three great friends up there having a grand ol' time is exactly that.
Here you see Brandy elated, and Amanda proud, as Nic pulls out a surprise when he produces Brandy's wedding band. She'd been expecting to wear a stand-in until Nic was able to get her the band he really wanted her to have which matches her engagement ring. Total points to Nic on the hand-over-the-heart-awwwwww moment, and for pulling it off without letting the cat out the bag before hand!
Nic and Brandy are big fans of Connor Christian and Southern Gothic, a musical group from Atlanta, and have gotten to know them a bit after frequently seeing them in concert. So, it made perfect sense for Connor Christian to be the entertainment for the evening, and Brandy and Nic had their first dance as husband and wife while the band played.
Nic, like all of the Hartman men, is the strong and stoic type. These are not men who readily cry, and certainly not who cry in front of large crowds of people. It is because of this that I was unable to capture the moments when each of Nic's two brothers and his father choked up earlier in the day. But the time was coming when Nic would dance with his mom, and I was ready. It's a tender moment, with hidden emotion, as Nic burrows into his mother's shoulder and hides his tears. A poignant moment when southern male stoicism gave way while dancing with his mother.
And the sun goes down, and the festivities draw to a close, and married life begins.
Tis the Season!
10.15.2008
It's that time again! The holidays are approaching, and we all know how quickly the time flies by as we gather with family and friends, squeeze in last minute shopping trips, bake cookies, and make time for carolers. I've gotten a head start on the season, making it easy for you to mark at least one item off your list.
The web gallery showcases twelve new holiday card designs for 2008, as well as fifteen popular designs from previous years. Most cards are sized at 5x7, come with envelopes, and ship for standard postage. This year, I have also added two beautiful 5x5 tri-fold cards, which have six sides on which to showcase your family. They are printed on high quality art paper, come with envelopes, and because they are square, require additional postage. Holiday photo cards are a wonderful way to show how your family has grown or changed over the year, as well as to share your professioanl photos without the expense of buying large prints for your entire family. Click here to view the holiday card gallery.
A few to whet your appetite:
There are limited sessions remaining in October and November for those of you who are interested in booking a session before the holidays. All holiday card orders must be placed by November 24th.
Picture Purr-fect
10.14.2008
Just one quick one of my little kitten, from her school's Fall festival. She has to be in just the right mood, but lately she's not been so very camera resistant.
Take Two
10.13.2008
So there are other clients waiting so patiently for their blog previews, and instead here I am again posting those adorable twinks you saw last week. I had to drive back to their house to return the pants that Kristina was kind enough to loan me after Cora managed to catch me off gaurd. (Occassionally, mom or dad gets peed on, and ALWAYS the backdrops get peed on, but this was actually the first time I've ever received the dubious honor.) So, since I was coming back anyway, Kristina asked if I would mind trying to get the elusive "both girls grinning" shot that just didn't happen during our original session. I'm sure you can imagine, she had to really twist my arm behind my back to get me to agree to take more photos of the delightful duo. :P I jumped at the opportunity, and the results are simply TOO cute not to post here.
Full of energy
10.12.2008
My favorite shots from Jackson's session are the ones that show how full of energy and thrilled by the ocean he was. Of course, those are also the ones where he's running from me. ;) I love his little footprints in the sand.
And no session with Jackson would be complete without a "boy with his dogs" shot. We did several sit and pose ones, but again my favorite was the one that showed such abandon, this last shot of the day, captured as dusk set in and the dogs were set free to play (a hard-won reward for their good behavior). All three equally excited to be chasing the waves.
Double the pleasure
10.03.2008
"Hi everyone. Welcome to the blog. Check out the great photos of me and my sister. Warning: we're totally irresistable!" Amelia is my new blog-greeter with this big friendly smile and wave! Only three months old, and she's already charming!
Not to be outdone, twin sister Cora was equally adorable. She was sweet and hesitant, looking to Mom with asking eyes, "Who is this new person?" But she didn't hide that warm smile from me, and we got great photos to remember this infant stage which passes so quickly.
And of course, no session of twins would be complete without some pictures of the girls together. These we had to work for. Cora needed a nap, so we took a break to let her sleep. And while she cat-napped, we worked on getting Amelia to sleep too. She did eventually fall into a deep sleep - just in time for Cora to wake up, alert. Looking through the photos, I was shocked to find I actually had an image or two of both girls awake and both girls asleep. Though most of them were like the first one below: Cora fully awake and going at it with her arms and legs while Amelia slept right beside her, oblivious to the bangs and bops she was being subjected to.
Cora / Amelia
Amelia / Cora
Cora / Amelia
Kristina and Ryan - thanks so much for inviting me into your home to capture the beauty of your girls while they are so young. I really enjoyed getting to know you all, and appreciate your graciousness with regards to "laundry". I should have your pants back to you this weekend, and your gallery ready in about a week's time.
Album Preview
09.22.2008
I've been working steadily on getting Amberley and Jeff's wedding album finished. I can't wait to see the finished product because I'm that excited about the vendor I'm ordering the album through.
I needed to send the album proofs to Jeff and Amberley, and I thought since I had to upload the spreads anyway, I may as well make them viewable here. Click here to view the album.
Light Up Your Face With Gladness
09.15.2008
Daniel and Luke took no time at all to warm up. Daniel and I were off and exploring minnows in the ponds and spitting fountains in no time. I had to be creative with angles and then work some magic in Photoshop afterward because poor Daniel took a spill a week earlier and had just had his stitches out the day before our session. I had worried about how that might affect his mood, but he was a blast from the introductions on.
Luke was an interesting one - usually babies tend to start out studious, taking me in and sizing me up before warming to me and showing me their grins. Luke was the exact opposite. I got the big wide grins from the very start - in fact, I had to get him out of the stroller while I was shooting Daniel because he was so bubbly I just had to take advantage of it. And then as the session progressed he became more subdued and thoughtful, so I really got to see a very broad range of expression from him.
Maegan and Ryan - Thanks for inviting me to photograph your family. The boys are wonderful. I should have the gallery up in a day or two. Please tell Daniel I hope his chin is feeling better.
Hitting the Beach
09.10.2008
My friends Marisa and Ryan have been with me from the first days of my business. In fact, Cai (who is now already 4 years old!) was my first official customer at 3 months old. They were right in the fray as I transitioned from a photo hobbyist to photography as a career. I look forward to photographing their family each year, not only for the joy of spending time with them and having fun with the kids, but as a reminder of how far I've come and how much I've accomplished.
Virginia Beach has so many pretty beaches to have photos taken at, but my favorite is definitely Sandbridge with it's softer sand, fishing pier, and dunes covered in beach grasses.
Dare Devil!
08.26.2008
Ryan and I had a slow warm up, and then we were best friends. He wasn't too sure at first that I should be allowed to come on the photoshoot. So, I gave him space at first, shooting with a zoom lens from a distance. But once he got his feet in the water, I crept in and started the splashfest. I think it was then that he knew we were meant to be friends.
Sleeping Beauty
08.23.2008
I flip on the hall light, just to peek at my doll before I head off to bed. And there she is, so peaceful and precious. And going to sleep is instantly less important than grabbing the camera and capturing the quiet stillness.
James
08.17.2008
James is a tremendously happy child, quick to grin, and easy to play with. Beyond that, he is 100% all boy. In the course of our 90 minute session: he ate dirt and grass at every opportunity, he took a nose-dive off an arm-chair, and he joyfully went hammock surfing. We joked that he'd be revisiting that idea in about three years and not under the watchful eye of his parents.
He played hard and had a blast, and when he was done, he was done. I first met James and his family at his 4 month photo session, and since then his mom and I have become really good friends. So that she felt comfortable saying to me, "When he starts crying, keep taking pictures! He does this really cute face when he's about to cry and we've never caught it on film." And in that spirit, I thought it'd be fun to show poor James at the end of his session. Nap time, anyone?
Ava
08.10.2008
Ava's six month photos were a delight to shoot. This is one of my favorite ages, which so much growth and change from the newborn photos or even the three month photos. Ava was so full of expression, going repeatedly from delighted to coy to happy to studious.
Donielle and Bryan - I should have your gallery ready in a few days!
BIGGER is better
08.09.2008
The pics are going BIG! I've been inspired by my friend Katie's blog showcasing its enormous images. I've kept mine small in the past because I've been doing web work since the early days of web when people had a desktop resolution of 640x480. Now that everyone is nearly double that, it's time to catch up. I realize a few of you will have to scroll now to see the images, but I think most will be comfortable at the new resolution. I hope you enjoy the larger images! You need only to scroll down to see what an improvement this is!
And what better image to prove the point that bigger is better than one of this local Norfolk fixture. I'm sure you'll all recognize the whale mural from downtown Norfolk's Waterside Drive. The mural is entitled "Humpbacks off the Virginia Coast" and was painted by Robert Wyland in 1993. It is one in Wyland's series of "Whaling Walls" around the world, which includes the Guiness Book of World Records' listing for largest mural in the world. The 100th and final wall in this series, "Hands Across the Oceans", is currently being painted for the 2008 Olympics. It's to be a mile long, and incorporate thousands of children from around the world in an effort to create environmental awareness and in honor of this year's "Green Olympics".
My husband, local to this area before I was, remembers watching our mural being painted 15 years ago. The entire mural was handpainted, and completed in a week as part of a 17-cities-in-17-weeks tour. I love driving by this mural, and always take the entry to the highway closest to it, despite there being three others that are usually closer to where I am. I remember David sharing with me that the artist is a diver and paints from his memory or photographs of his own diving experiences. I love that. I love driving by the mural and imagining myself diving close enough to these majestic animals to remember such details.
In this particular photo, I played intentionally with angle. As you drive by the mural an interesting thing happens. The farther you are from it, the more you view it from the front, and all you see if the beautiful painting. As you near it you see it in more detail. And then as you pass it, and interesting illusion happens. It seems to disappear. As you view the building and painting from the side, the light hits the building in such a way that you can't view the image, but rather see the hard lines of the building itself. I wanted to play with finding just the right angle to illustrate that. If you look to the upper right corner, you'll see the whale seemingly disappear. In looking at the photo after I took it, I liked the sense that gave it, ...the idea that from all our concrete and structure, nature might prevail.
Wyland is coming back to the Hampton Roads area in just a few weeks to serve as master of ceremonies for the 26th annual Hampton Bay Days, which is scheduled for September 5-7th. He will host a series of workshops from 9 a.m. to noon on Friday, Sept. 5, to promote environmental awareness and conservation efforts, in addition to painting with area children that morning. We'll be there for sure, and hope to see you there too!
Blasted Assumptions!
08.07.2008
So it turns out that Jamaican accent I commented on below is not so Jamaican after all! Dess is from Senegal, on the west coast of Africa. And Kari and Dess were even too polite to correct me. I found out by reading their wedding blog. Well, you know what they say about assumptions. Thanks to Kari and Dess for not being offended by my mistake.
Lovestruck
08.04.2008
Kari and Dess were a blast to work with. They have so much fun together and our session was full of laughter. Kari warned me that Dess wasn't incredibly comfortable in front of the camera, but midway through our session he realized he was the leading man in our romantic film on the beach, and he played the role well. You know, they laughed so much that I never noticed that Dess didn't have much to say. Until the end of the session when he did start chattering, and revealed a fantastic Jamaican accent. It was like finding a prize at the bottom of the cereal box. And to think he'd been holding on me throughout the session. Am I alone on this, or do we all love accents?
Children in the Gardens
08.02.2008
Norfolk Botannical Gardens is hosting a juried exhibition on the theme "Children in the Gardens". I'm like a silly little child myself, so excited about it. I've never shown my work in any kind of exhibition, so I'm kind of giddy and silly about it. Four of my images were selected to be included in the exhibition. If you're going to Botannical Gardens any time soon, be sure to stop by Baker Hall and check it out. These are the images that were selected:
Flying Colors
07.22.2008
I have known today a magnificent intoxication. I have learnt how it feels to be a bird.
I have flown. Yes I have flown. — Le Figaro, 1908.
My husband and I celebrated ten years of marriage this past weekend. In celebration, we enjoyed a sunrise hot air balloon ride over the rolling hills of Charlottesville. What a beautiful view!
Cue Ball
07.17.2008
I was excited as soon as I spotted the billiards table in a room with a full wall of windows. Sweet Conrad was so willing to put up with all the places I put him. He played along so effortlessly, even giving me this great tough dude look while gripping the rack.
Adelai and I were buddies right from the get go, and she took great pride in being the one to show me the highlights of the house: her room with a mommy-sized bed, Pop's secret stash (all the good snacks hidden in the garage), and the third floor balconies. She sang me her entire repertoire of Hannah Montana songs. In the middle of "Nobody's Perfect", I interjected slyly, "Not even me?" and won this coy making-up-her-mind smile. Pause. One-one-thousand, and then right back into the lyric: "No-No!"
And this one came at the end of a game of we've gotta get your hair done beauty salon. She decided she needed to inspect her hair before tipping me. Smart girl.
Custom Photography Lessons
07.13.2008
Custom Photography Lessons are now available! Did you get a great new camera recently, but haven't managed to take it off auto-mode? Are you using your investment like a point-and-shoot snapshot camera? Learn what goes into making your camera work for you!
I've put together a curriculum of five three hour sessions. By the time we're done, you'll be thrilled with the images you're producing, and the world of photography will be yours to conquer. Click here for more details.
Tenderness
07.12.2008
Sweet baby Kate with her fuzzy hair, and her shoulders still covered in that soft, downy hair that newborns have for the first few weeks, was a snuggler. She wanted to be held and cuddled. And boy did I want to just hold and cuddle her. Her older brother would notify us whenever she was unhappy with "Kate cry" and at one point he threw this bunny into the crib, soothing her in his own way. She latched right onto it and perked right up. Sometimes brothers know best.
I just wanted to get this sneak peek up for her family. The gallery is still several days out, Jen, but here's a taste.
Vacation Photos
07.08.2008
Predictably, when I go on vacation I take a lot of photos. When I come back I process the ones I'm most excited about and then the rest get dumped into a folder to playing with later, ...in between sessions and photos of my daughter. Tonight I got to dink around in that folder a bit, and found these two from a 2006 (yih!) trip to Florida. I really kinda like 'em. I think I'll print 'em on 16x20 canvas and find somewhere to hang them.
Egret - Riverview, Florida
Angler - Sanibel Island, Florida
Slideshow: Amberley and Jeff
06.30.2008
When you watch the show, look for these moments that really moved me: the way Jeff can't take his eyes off his bride while the pastor begins the ceremony, Amberley's expression in the closeup of the dance - eyes closed and so thankful for Jeff in her life, the way that Amberley clutches Jeff in the dance on the patio. This is a couple so clearly glad to have each other.
Jeff and Amberley - There are still more photos to be viewed! I have your gallery ready for viewing. Just click the link and enter the access code I sent you in your email. I hope Italy was magical!
Amberley and Jeff
06.17.2008
Amberley and Jeff were married on June 14th. It was an intimate affair at an old farmhouse moments from Currituck Sound. And when I say intimate, I mean I think there were fewer than 15 people present, myself included.
This was the first wedding I'd photographed, and while I was looking forward to it, I'm not terribly excited about wedding photography. That all changed during this short ceremony. Jeff and Amberley are so inlove - it just radiates, you can't help but get caught up in it. In fact, a few times I found myself laughing at the funny moments and crying at the tender moments. I had to jolt myself out of my reverie and remind myself to photograph these wonderful moments! I felt lucky to be present, to get to witness Jeff and Amberley's sacred moments.
Thanks to both of you for including me in your most special day. Enjoy Italy! I hope to have your gallery ready for you when you get back.
Hands on!
06.09.2008
Another little friend named Landon, whom I've been photographing since birth. This session was the classic 18 month session: a child who wants to do what he wants to do, one who has tasted independence and aims to keep it. And in classic form for the age, it was a touch everything we see session - just the kind I like!
And a collage sample:
Our Robin Nest
06.06.2008
Last year, we were so pleased to find a pair of nesting robins in the hanging plant on our porch. Sadly, we lost the two baby robins to a mean ol' neighborhood cat. Luckily, Mama and Papi bird are back this year. After an unsuccessful clutch of four eggs, all but one of which were tossed from the nest, another robin pair laid four additional eggs in the nest. Today they hatched! (The old egg is still in there under them, but all four of the new eggs hatched.) To use my daughter's words, "They're just so sweeeeet!"
My friend, Landon
05.29.2008
This is my friend, Landon. I did his first photo session when he was only two days old. In fact, if you peek through my infants gallery on the main site, that's him in the hospital bracelet. It's been my supreme pleasure to watch him grow into the smart and engaging boy he is, full of curiosity about the world. Two year old sessions are somewhat infamous for their unpredictability. As such, I expected to be chasing Landon up and down over the hills and into puddles, but he surprised me by being entirely accomodating to everything I suggested. What's more, and what forever wins him a place in my heart, is he thinks my jokes are funny. And that is how I got such winning smiles from this handsome little man.
Welcome to the World
05.28.2008
You remember the beautiful family from a few posts down? Lori joked at the session that once the photoshoot was done, she was ready for labor to set in. Well, Max had other ideas and kept her waiting another two weeks. I'd say he was well worth the wait. I was happy to be invited back out to capture his precious newness. Here is Max at two weeks old.
Gallery Update
05.17.2008
I've been meaning for several months to update the galleries on my main site. Finally! I've made some time to see that through. Well... partly anyway. I've updated the Discovery Gallery. Take a peek to see if your little one made it onto the website. And thank you to all of you for inviting me to share in the wonderful perfection of your babies. Updates to the remaining galleries are in progress, so check back often.
Serene Surroundings
05.04.2008
I spent the day with a girlfriend today, teaching her to use her camera. I didn't take many on my camera at all since I was in teaching mode and not really shooting, but here's one from the day that I liked.
I used this location to teach a lesson on using shutter speed to show motion. If you'd like to try this one yourself, you'll want to bring your shutter speed way down. This one was take at 1"5 (1½ seconds). I didn't bring a tripod, so I set my camera up on a rock nearby for stability, and then used the self-timer. When you use such a slow shutter speed, you generally want a tripod because even the additional movement of your breathing adds motion and blur to the photo. Using a tripod (or in my case a large rock) will eliminate that movement allowing the portions of the image that aren't moving (the trees and rocks) to be sharply focused while the water blurs because of it's own motion. It creates a dreamy effect that's quite serene.
Look for more information soon on private photography lessons. I'm putting together pricing and lessons and hope to be offering lessons by summer time. Dust off your camera and let's put it to work for you!
A Perfect Doll
04.29.2008
Quinnlyn looked at me for the first several minutes through her lashes. And this is some set of lashes. She took her time deciding whether or not to be friends. Happily, I passed inspection. Before too long, she was playing my instruments, and hanging from a tree like a monkey.
I had such a good time photographing her with her family that I called David to pick Meridian up from preschool so I could prolong our session. Quinnlyn was really just irresistable. Most of the time, her face was fixed in a peaceful little non-smile, but when she was amused, she really came alive.
It was sweet to watch her and her Daddy walk along barefoot together, holding hands, pausing to look at the flowers or play with the spray of the fountain. I love to watch dads show the world to their daughters - there's a delicacy to it that men often mask in their every day lives, a sweetness that peeks out that makes you know what they must have been like as small boys. Mike was just such a dad, filling the morning with so many little gestures that make a walk through the gardens magical for a small girl.
And Lori, bless her heart, was the best sport ever at 39 weeks pregnant. Wouldn't every one of us love to look this stunning at nine months pregnant?! Thank you, Max, for holding on long enough so we could squeeze the session in before you were born. What a loving family you're joining.
Hopelessly Devoted
04.23.2008
Sundays session was interesting in so many ways. To start with, I was completely mute. Laryngitis had completely wiped out my voice (today makes day 6 of speaking in whispers!), but I was feeling totally fine otherwise so we decided to go ahead with the session. Luckily Clay, the groom, is an old friend of mine, so the awkwardness of having no voice was at least mitigated by being comfortable with the people. It was my first time meeting his beautiful fiancée, Rony, but knowing she is going to marry Clay made me instantly at ease with her. And so, we forged ahead through our unusually quiet session. With my ability to crack jokes hindered, we were left to whispered conversations as we walked along the paths of Norfolk's Botannical Gardens, wild (and uselessly unreadable) gestures from behind the camera, and quiet moments under flowered trees while we waited for the light rain to subside.
I knew that Rony was Bengali, and I knew from phone conversations that dressing had taken them an unusually long time that morning, but I did not connect the dots, and so was very pleasantly surprised when Clay and Rony appeared for their session in traditional Indian dress, complete with the head piece of an Indian bride. To say Rony is beautiful is such an understatement that it's best to let the photos speak for themselves. Beauty aside, Clay and Rony are such sweet and interesting people, and I'm glad they allowed me to participate in their story.
The World's First Ice Cream Cone
04.11.2008
In 1904, Abe Doumar attended the World's Fair in St. Louis, and after buying a waffle, he rolled it into a cone, and added ice cream. He subsequently invented a four cone waffle maker, and demonstrated it at the Jamestown Exposition of 1907, and hung out his shingle. And the waffle cone was born!
It's one of my favorite local places, and I've been wanting to photograph it since I've been in Hampton Roads. I'd love to do an engagement session here if anyone is in the mood for ice cream.
A Little Pearl
02.23.2008
I've been looking forward to taking Ava's pictures ever since learning Donielle was preggers again. I've been taking their older daughter Petyon's photos since she was born, and am so happy to have the opportunity to watch their family grow, and participate in my small way. Peyton has her mom's read hair and her dad's blue eyes, and like everyone else, I could wait to see what their new little one would look like.
Tiny Newness
02.12.2008
Stephen was a joy to photograph. Precious, tiny newborn. Unbelievably good sleeper. We actually moved him in his sleep four times. It's amazing I managed to take any photos; I could have held him the entire time.
Making Do Without Snow
12.16.2007
Making do without snow in sunny Virginia Beach. The weather has just been all over the place. One day in the 40s, the next day in the high 70's. Yesterday we had sunny 60º weather, and our advent calendar said, "Head to the beach, but don't build a sand castle. Build a SNOWMAN!"
Wishing all of you a very Merry Christmas.
Eyes To Swim In
11.28.2007
The first time I met Hailey, she was five months old. I had an instant sweet spot for her: cheeks to pinch for days, a baldy-baby head, and eyes that just don't stop. Her recent 1yr session left me, if possible, even more enchanted with her. She has a smile that lights up her face, and then in an instant she'll drop a dead-pan stare on you that leaves you wanting to jump through hoops to get back in her good graces.
Two days before the session, I was on the phone with Hailey's mom frantically going over potential clothing for our outdoor session. The weather man promised us a high of 50º. We planned thick patterned tights under a dress with sweaters layered over top, and winter hat and mittens to bring the look together. Could we do stylish in 50º without making poor Hailey look like a puffy snowman, we worried. But lucky us, we woke up to 65+ temps; Hailey got to don a spring dress and we had her sittin' pretty in the ivy.
Glimpses, the blog!
11.27.2007
This is much delayed, but the blog has arrived. This is to satiate all of my friends who email me to see the latest sessions, as well as to give clients a sneak peek at their session before the full gallery is up. There are so many more reasons blogging is a good idea. Potential clients get to see more of my work. Existing clients get to check out new locations I may be shooting at. And best and most importantly, it will give me a central place to collect feedback.
Don't mind the rough appearance. You early visitors are seeing her without her makeup on. Over the next few weeks, she'll get a header and some sparkle. For now, it's the nitty gritty: the pics!