We have an adorable houseguest staying with us until Friday. He's so cute and reminds me a lot of my dog growing up, Doodle. Teddy will fluff his pillow bed and walk in circles until he finds the perfect place to lay down. This particular spot is our recliner. I tried to keep him from jumping up day after day, but I gave in. I just couldn't say no to that little face anymore.
Teddy and Booda, the dinosaurWhat an amazing week! Beach time, a wedding, family visits, The Police concert in Phoenix and a really fun portrait in Virginia. I'll have to write about the first four another time, but I just had to post about the Andrews-Biggs portrait outside Charlottesville, VA.
I photographed their one-year-old's portrait a few years ago when they were living in the Virginia-Highlands. Since then, they moved to a house in the beautiful mountains of Virginia. Picture a half mile dirt drive winding up to their dome house on a hill. I promised them years ago that the next time I drove through on my way to the northeast that I'd let them know so we could schedule a portrait. They now have twin girls who are so adorable. It was amazing to see their first daughter who has grown so much since I last saw her. I just love documenting all the changes (and similarities - her huge smile) of little humans growing from babyhood into little girls and boys. Their dome house was really cool too. I've never seen one from the inside and I was really excited to see how it worked. Their living room had lofted ceilings and they did have walls to separate rooms, but they told me that they save a lot on energy because the airflow is unimpeded. Pretty cool way to live "green." And you definitely will never beat that view. You can see it in black & white in the portraits towards the end of their session.
Here's their slideshow....
This week and half of next I am on tour; at least it feels like that. Right now I am looking out over the beach and not so much enjoying the weather (it's 65, windy and rainy) but definitely enjoying the vacation. Nick and I are in Wildwood, NJ for a couple days before we head up to his cousin's wedding in Brunswick. I'm actually attending this wedding, not photographing it, which is kinda nice every once in a while. :)
We head back to ATL on Sunday and stop to do a portrait for Corry and Bart in VA, (they moved from Virginia Highland a few years ago). They live in a dome house which I am really interested to see. Bright and early Monday morning, we board a plane to Phoenix for The Police! We'll have 5 hours in Phoenix before the show, so if you have any suggestions of what we should be sure to check out, let me know.
As soon as I reopen the studio on Wednesday, I'll be sure to respond to any emails and voicemails. Thanks for being patient. And as always, feel free to leave a message on the blog by clicking the "Comments" link below.
Have a great week!
Tonight I came out of my shell, I mean house. After working through most of the weekend, I had already gone a little crazy confined to the walls of my office. Even though I finally moved the couch in and it's become much more comfortable, there's only so much I can take of sitting in my office by myself. One of the major drawbacks to working from home, but I really shouldn't complain, right? So, I headed out to Java Monkey in downtown Decatur, my new 'hood. Love free wi-fi. And for the first time in a long time, the traffic buzzing by me at my comfy outdoor table and chair didn't bother me. Kinda nice to see other people while I work away at my laptop. Love the mobile studio!
So mentioned in my previous post about Courtney and Michael's wedding that I had a spill while we were shooting in downtown St. Augustine. I have to admit that I have NEVER fallen while shooting and the moment that I made it a first for me couldn't have been more embarrassing. I was so busy getting the perfect shot that I became completely oblivious to what was about to happen. So, C&M were walking down the sidewalk when one of those touristy trams pulled up the street. I thought, "How perfect! Their reactions to C&M walking down the street will make a romantic picture and tell a great story about the nature of this city." So, I'm walking backwards. I check behind me to be sure the sidewalk is level and nothing is in my way. Just as C&M step into the right spot, I take one shot and then Q#$%@%^@$ I fall backwards onto something really hard. Funny how my gut reaction was to keep my camera as far away from the ground as possible so I lift it up as I fall to the ground. And I fell hard on some random steps that jutted out onto the sidewalk. OUCH! The worst part was that not only did C&M and Jenni see me do this, but the entire tram of tourists and all the traffic on the street. AH! I and my camera are ok though. Aside from a huge black and blue mark on my (achem) that I am still looking at a week and a half later - a daily reminder of a single moment of clumsiness. Oh, well, makes a great story and I can be sure that I'll watch where I walk backwards much more closely next time.
Here's the shot I fired just before falling to my embarrassment.
Don't you think it was worth a fall? Yeah, me too. :)
Last year we started offering online slideshows as a sneak peek of your portraits, weddings and events. All of my clients are so anxious to see their photos as soon as possible and since the slideshows are posted within a few days of your portrait or event, they are a perfect way to view some of the best images before your Viewing/Ordering Appointment. Plus they are a great way to share the photos with friends and family.
I am really excited to announce that DVD's of these slideshows are now available for purchase. The DVD's will arrive in a beautiful leather case with a featured photograph on the inside cover. Simply click the DVD icon at the bottom of your slideshow to order. Order more than one and receive a great discount. Plus, you can also purchase the slideshow for your video IPOD. How cool?! Are we hi-tech or what!?
Feel free to post any questions or comments about this great new product below. Click "Comments" to leave your message.
The second portrait I was working on last week before I left town was for Avery and her parents. I photographed a "Growing Baby Portrait Series" for them since Avery was 6 months old so it was really fun to return now that she's three years old and see how much she's grown. She has become a beautiful little girl with gorgeous hair and a beautiful smile.
Click here to see your slideshow.
It's been a super-busy week. I just got back from photographing Courtney & Michael's wedding on the beach in St. Augustine, FL. So beautiful!!! I'll post some faves soon. Last week I was busy working on a couple portraits before I left town. While I managed to post the slideshows, I didn't have a chance to blog about them.
The first was adorable Amelia who is about to turn one on June 9th, the same birthday as my brother! He's a little older, though. :) Amelia's parents were super patient with all of our bloopers. Through spilled coffee, a bump on the head and me not being able to find the entrance to their building, I think we managed to get some really beautiful portraits. Thanks for hanging in there with me!
Take a look at your slideshow here.
Krisitian and Bryan were married a couple years ago and chose a beautiful destination for their small wedding. Krisitan and I have been in touch since the planning stages of their wedding and when she emailed to see if I could do a portrait of them, I was so excited to finally work with them. It's funny how small the world really is. Kristian works at the corporate offices for PPA, the professional organization for photographers that I'm a member of and Bryan works at AutoTrader.com where I have been photographing events for three years. It's fun to find those connections - I guess we were destined to work together.
We met at Piedmont Park after the threat of rain all weekend panned out to no rain at all. Love the weather forecasters! Since K & B love wine, we thought it'd be fun to bring along a bottle and blanket to picnic in the park. Nothing like wine to take the edge off being photographed. :)
At the end of the portrait, we looked out onto the lake and saw a family of geese crossing the water and a family of ducks at the edge feeding the ducklings and mamma. Dad stood guard while they all ate. I love how Bryan expressed the adorable scene. "Dad's taking the family to the store and waiting in the car with the motor running." So cute.
Here's the slideshow!
Last week I got a call from Kansas. Sue's son is graduating from Georgia Tech and she would like some pictures of him to remember this great accomplishment. The whole family will be there (driving from Kansas!) and they'd love to get some family pictures as well.
Well, this is a first. Never been called from Kansas (ha!) and never been asked to photograph college graduation pictures. Awesome! I love new challenges.
Michael just happens to be engaged too to his long time girlfriend. They went to high school together in Kansas and then headed to GA Tech for college. They seem to be really motivated students. She is going on to law school and he's already set with a job. Impressive! The family is really excited to spend the weekend celebrating this great accomplishment with them. And I was thrilled to be asked to document this happy time for them.
Here are a few shots from the afternoon.
...And here's their slideshow.
Thanks again and congratulations!
I photographed the Stewart twins on Friday. When I arrived, I knew I was in for a treat. It was my first twins portrait session and it proved to be so fun. It was really cool to see how each of the kid's personalities are already developing. One found comfort relaxing on mom's lap while the other loved running and playing ball with dad. Can you guess which one is which?
Here are some of my favorites.
View your slideshow here.
Thanks again!
It's been a super busy week! One of those weeks that makes me so grateful for all of my awesome clients, but also a little crazy. It's Friday night and I'm editing photos! What's wrong with me?! :)
On Wednesday, I met the Delaney's. Baby Delaney has the most adorable little smile and I had so much fun capturing the love his parents have for him. All the hugs and kisses are just so precious. Here are a few of this adorable family.
A lot of people ask me how to get great hands and feet pictures of their little ones. Honestly, the best images are those that aren't posed or forced. This moment happened naturally and I think it says so much about the beautiful bond that mom has with her baby. 
My second portrait on Saturday was with the Land's. As I mentioned in my previous post, I photographed this cute family last February at their home. This time, mom thought it'd be fun to head outside and explore the outdoors with their son. We met at The Roswell Mill and I must say I was completely unprepared for the hike we had ahead of us. Not realizing that the area is mostly gravel, tree roots and dirt, I wore....flipflops. Not so smart. By the end of the day, my flops were so torn up that I had to throw them away. But nothing kept me from enjoying the unbelievable views, the perfect weather and the curiosity of this adorable three year old.
It's so fun to watch little ones enjoy and be fascinated by everything around them, from playing in the river to discovering new bugs to climbing on rocks. Just goes to show how the best photos are the ones that capture you doing something you enjoy and not just posing for the camera.
I had a busy day on Saturday. It started with the Gotham's at their beautiful Atlanta home. The weather couldn't have been more perfect. And I swear I'll have to find out if I can use their backyard again for future portraits. It was an oasis of beauty - large hydrangeas, lush grass and huge mature trees.
They are pregnant with their third and they couldn't be happier. It's so nice to meet families who share so much love. I have the best job!
Mom and Dad
A kiss for the baby
playing on daddy's legsI'm gearing up for some really busy weeks ahead. This weekend I am photographing three portraits - I think that may be a record for me. It's funny how all three portraits represent different milestones for each family.
The first is a maternity & family portrait - the third child for this growing family. I'm so excited to photograph little hands on mom's belly!
The second is a family who I photographed last February. Trip is so adorable, so full of energy and is so expressive. Here are a couple of my favorites from that shoot (before I had the BLOG to post pictures.)
And the third is a portrait for a great couple that got married a few years ago. I was going to photograph their wedding, but they decided to change their local plans and have a very small destination wedding. Just so you know in the future, I love destination weddings and I'm happy to follow wherever your plans take you! So they wanted to get some great couple's portraits since they were less than satisfied with their wedding pictures. I am especially honored to photograph them because Kristian works at PPA (Professional Photographer's Of America). You know she could have asked any photographer so it's super cool that they've asked me to photograph them.
Next weekend, my parents are coming to visit to help us make a final decision about the venue for our wedding. I am excited to confirm the date so I can start doing other things. I think I'm most looking forward to the cake tasting! Mmmm....cake. I wonder how difficult it is to get an ice cream wedding cake. That would be the best.
