Kaya is Six!

I had a really fun!! photo session with Kaya in honor of her birthday.
Knowing it would be cold, her Mom and I discussed outfit options and location that would make a successful shoot. Her outfit was amazing but most important, it was warm, I felt like we were having a mini fashion shoot!
Earlier in the year, I had photographed her sister near Loy's Station covered bridge, using the natural landscape and water to create images that evoked her sister's personality. Knowing we wouldn't have any natural flora, we decided to go urban with Kaya's photos. And there is no better place than downtown Frederick. Not only did about two city blocks provide an ample variety of backgrounds, but constantly moving kept Kaya from getting bored and kept the smiles coming. We were so excited to find some jazzy purple doors ( Kaya's favorite color). We played peek-a-boo, "honked" her braids and invented little games to keep her smiling. She did a fantastic job.

The Wedding of Gretchen and Brandon

Brandon and Gretchen's wedding was the first wedding I had photographed in my hometown of Thurmont and at the beautiful and rustic Thorpewood lodge on the top of the mountain. I got to see some old friends from high school that I hadn't seen in years. I really enjoyed working around people and places I knew.

But the real moment to remember for me is seeing Gretchen, who was determined to have photos in the snow, standing outside with a strapless gown on in a temperature of about 18 degrees with the wind chill factor. She and Brandon were not even shivering! But I did have to tell them not to breath as the steam from their breath was obscuring some of their faces! They did an amazing job!
Thanks to Gretchen and Brandon and their families for inviting me to capture it all.