The Engagement of Shannon and Matt

Shannon and Matt were a fantastic couple to photograph. They have ties to the D.C. area and wanted their engagement session around the memorials on the Mall. They also wanted to have "Harley" their dog in some of the photos. With Shannon's mother helping by keeping "Harley" in the areas dogs were allowed, we moved from place to place on the windy, chill Mall area and took some really fun photos. After I looked at the take, you'd never know that we had to work with the wind, so Shannon's hair wasn't flying and that "Harley" needed warm-up breaks. Shannon and Matt interacted so naturally, they made it easy to get good photos. And Matt, without a doubt is the best dipper I've seen in a while! They made it out to Pictures in the Pines as well and I was able to be there for their first Christmas together. I loved that! I'm really looking forward to the wedding! 

Harley had to take frequent breaks to warm up. He looks adorable in pink!

Pictures in the Pines...Brrrrrr!

Okay! I am way behind on updating the blog. My family has been "renovating" a house and we finally moved in just days before Christmas. We call it indoor camping for now! But I have really taken a vacation from updating so I'm overdue. 

The Pictures in the Pines was terrific! We did it on the coldest day of the year to date. Unfortunately, you can't predict the weather as far ahead as you need to schedule. I don't think the temperature got above 25 degrees with the wind chill factor on the top of that mountain but the families came anyway and boy, were they hardy! Even the children tossed their jackets for a few brief moments and smiled to the max. I couldn't believe how well everyone did considering noses were running, eyes were watering and bodies were shaking! 

Thanks to everyone who came out! 

Everyone had a different look to their holiday portraits and we moved from antique sled to cutting the trees to posing in front of a giant Frasier fur tree. 

     I've been friends with Becky Chaney since second grade and have photographed her twins Rianna and Sheridan since they were babies. I followed the family around the tree farm and shot a mini story of their day. This was one of my favorites from the shoot!
I loved how so many of the families brought their dogs. The Beck family and "Charlie" used all my Christmas props for a festive photo. 
The Callan family used a little humor to make an original family portrait, going for the smallest tree on the farm. Don't worry, they spared it to grow another day! :) 
I've been photographing the Clark family for years. It's great to see how little Lucy has changed each photo session and I was so happy to see them. The peek through the pines was Joe's idea and I think it worked out great. Their cards really showed their personality as a family! 

I just love this photo. I don't think it made it on the family Christmas card but Emma couldn't resist a little fun and the look on her brother and father's faces, as if to say, "what are you doing?" is priceless. 

A candid moment during the shoot. I love these "real" moments between the more formal arrangements! 

The Maduschke family was a real hit at the tree farm. The handsome family in hats had heads turning as they searched for their Christmas tree complete with their antlered dog!