Bellies and Babies

Seems like just yesterday, I photographed Gretchen and Brandon's winter wedding at ThorpeWood! I was so pleased to hear from Gretchen and her mother, that the two were expecting an addition to the family. So we went back to where it all began, Thorpewood, to photograph Gretchen's maternity photographs. The grounds of ThorpeWood provided so many beautiful backgrounds and some privacy so the couple could enjoy interacting for the photographs without an audience of onlookers. They are so natural together that most of the "posing" came from their relationship with each other and their joy at this new stage in their life. Gretchen's maternity session was part of her "Baby Plan" photographs so I'll get to enjoy their first year together!
Thank you for making me a part of this amazing stage in your lives. Can't wait to see baby Green!

They are so cute together!

Gretchen had to summon her inner supermodel for this photo.

So happy together.

I trust you.

"I trust you".
Those words are some of the most powerful  and meaningful for me to hear when working with a client.

To me it means that they know I am going to photograph something that they will love. That I will capture them expressing their real selves and that they'll look good doing it. It means that they know I value the relationship that we are building during a single photo session or many.That I understand the privilege that it is to be the person that captures these important moments for them to treasure.

I'm not just "taking" a photograph. We are experiencing the session and creating something, together. With each and every client, I strive to earn that trust through my work and my interaction with them.

Twice this last week, I have heard a client say those three words. One was a wedding client, Amy. We had already worked together on their engagement session and created the cutest guest book and prints for them. While we were discussing the final plans for her September 30 wedding day, I  asked for any special photo requests that she and Sean may have for photographs that day. Amy said, "No, I trust that you'll get what we want."

 The other client was Meagan, the mother of Landon. We rolled that baby this way and that, we covered him with a blanket, and at some point, I started explaining why I wanted to do  a certain pose and then I said, "do you need me to tell you why I want to photograph it this way?" and Meagan simply said, "No,I trust you."

Is Landon  adorable, or what? Love that smile and those bright eyes.

Caroline's first year!

Betsy and Rob were one of my first Maryland wedding clients and Caroline, one of my first baby plan participants. What a joy to see Caroline as she transformed. Little hands, little feet, serious looks and coaxed smiles to a large personality and equally large smiles with it. She just beamed as a bathing beauty and a bubble catcher at her one year session and she is definitely the strongest at standing of any one year old I know!
Thank you Betsy and Rob, for inviting me into your life and introducing me to your daughter. Caroline is so precious and loved.

What a great smile!

Welcome to Caroline!

It all started with Betsy and Rob.
They were the first couple that I began this blog with two years ago. They were the couple that graciously had their engagement session videoed so that I could post it on my website where it still remains. I was so honored that they contacted me about photographing the new addition their family, Caroline. It really makes me happy to continue to follow their lives as they change in new and wonderful ways.

When I became a photojournalist, in my 20's, it was because I wanted to tell stories, in images, that mattered to people and that made a difference. The subjects were different then, but my goal is still the same, to capture important images, that have meaning. Images that reflect relationships and a moment in time, though fleeting.With one glance at these images, they will recall the magic, the love they felt for each other and this time in their lives. And hopefully, one day, they will be cherished by Caroline, who will not keep these days in her memory but in her heart.

Thank you so much for allowing me the privilege to see your lives together begin anew in the blessing of your baby.

Nathaniel's Baptism

What an absolute privilege I felt to be asked to photograph the baptism of Nathaniel Reign. I photographed his parent's wedding, that of Krystyna and Michael in 2007. It is one of the the greatest honors to be entrusted with capturing the moments of one of the most important days in a couple lives together, their wedding. But to be called to continue to document the changing life of a couple that started out as two and now is three... well, needless to say, I was thrilled and just a bit teary-eyed, to be able to be there for this new important phase of their lives. Little Nathaniel was surrounded in love that was palpable. What an awesome family and extended family of friends he will have in his life. Thank you Krystyna and Michael for including me and allowing me to get to follow your lives through his first year and beyond.
Nathaniel looks absolutelyangelic during the baptism.

Feeling the love!

Little guy... all tuckered out.

Tommy!

I had such a good time photographing Tommy who is nearly six months old. This is a great age because it's usually full of smiles and Tommy delivered. But I have to say, it "took a village" to elicit these great expressions. Mom, Dad and both grandparents used their best laughing, squeaking, and zerbert sounds to keep little laughs coming. There was even some singing of Tom Jones! Who knew a six-month old would dig that! Thanks for all your hard work.

It's photo sessions like these that reinforce to me what I've known as soon as I took that first photo. Taking photos is not just clicking the shutter. It's creating an atmosphere, an experience, a relationship with your subjects and then capturing the feelings and expressions within that experience.

They say the eyes are the windows to the soul and one of my favorite images to take are very close photos that highlight the sparkle and personality from the eyes.
The expression on Tommy's face here between his parents is priceless.

Thanks again, I enjoyed myself.

Peyton Turns One!

I absolutely loved this photo session! I had the opportunity to photograph Peyton and the many changes of his first year through the "Baby's First Year" plan which includes four sessions from several weeks to the first birthday. I really enjoyed documenting the changes of his life, from sleepy baby up to a boy bursting with personality and smiles. It was amazing to see how much he had changed each time. For his first birthday photos, we did a variety of images including some outdoor shots walking with Mommy and Daddy, playing with some puppies and my favorite, demolishing a birthday cake.

What's so fun about these is Peyton is tentative at first and looks to Mom as if to say, "Can I touch it?"


Then he starts getting into the eating and smashing bit a bit more.....
Now, he is really happy with himself and all the good cake he has in and on himself.
After the party is over! Don't you just feel like that sometimes? I can't believe I ate the whole thing. Although he didn't eat anywhere near the whole thing! It makes me smile each time I look at these. Thanks to Peyton's family for letting me get to know the family and for choosing to work with me to capture those precious first year changes and memories.

Peyton was born before Christmas and I went to his house for a shoot before New Year's. Tristen, his Mom was just as beautiful as she could be...still had the glow. We expected Peyton to sleep during some of his hour long session but bright eyes prevailed and he never slept while I was there, even after a bottle. I couldn't believe the little guy was even lifting his head! Tristen received a certificate from me for a "Baby's First Year" photo package as a gift from her co-workers. Yeah! , I get to see Petyon three more times this year. It will be so much fun to see his changes and perhaps walking by one?!