Festive Fall Fun with G & the Girls

I love blogging. I especially love blogging about things I'm passionate about, like photography and my family. I'm often challenged in the creation of these posts in different ways, but more often than not, it's due to the various emotions that sweep me away and throw me off track. This post was no exception.

Sheri and I met when we were 5 years old. Although I can't remember the moment we met, or even the moment we became best friends, I can recall many memories from my childhood that she's at least some part of. We spent many a Friday night tucked away in one of our bedrooms watching Full House, Family Matters, Perfect Strangers and Step by Step. Saturdays were fun playing basketball with her dad in the driveway and searching the yard for rocks to paint. And Sundays  were spent at Church... and sometimes playing "office" at Rick's Carpets (Trade & Wholesale back then, if I remember correctly). I adored her family as they quickly became and extension of my own. And now that we're older, I adore her new little family just as much!

Although I'd briefly met the kids once before, this shoot was the first time I really got to interact with them. I learned quite a bit about each of them. For example, Gabriel opened up to me instantly. Literally, before I had even parked my car, we were chatting like we'd seen each other every day since he was born. It took the girls a little while longer. Maybe 15 minutes or so before Noel starting coming around (and by then, she was MINE!). And finally, Ariel came around, even if it did take a while to get some smiles out of her (I told her the roosters would go away if she smiled... and it worked!)

I definitely got a few good chuckles editing their photos. I aim to have all my shoots play out like a story book, but this one wrote itself. You can tell in their body language and facial expressions, if you view the entire gallery from beginning to end, exactly the moment each of them were okay with my being there. I picked a few of my personal favorites that I feel speak volumes about their personalities to show you here on the blog.

Even though they hadn't yet opened their Pumpkin Tunnels yet, we still had a great time shooting at Nall's Produce! And according to Sheri, Noel and I are now BFF's ;-)

Time for a Change

My passion for photography began when I was just a kid, posing stuffed animals in my bedroom as if they were people. That was in the days of 110mm, 35mm and, when I was lucky enough to have the film, the instant gratification of the Polaroid. I was doing it for personal enjoyment at that point. As I got older and began studying the art of photography in high school, I had a better understanding of WHY I loved it so much. It gave me such a sense of accomplishment to produce something that someone would want to adorn their walls, mantles, or bookshelves. With landscapes and still-life, I was certainly flattered when other complimented my work, but for me it was really about capturing that moment and being able to portray that in a photograph.

After graduating high school, I worked for a while in a portrait studio, where I had very little creative freedom. While there are some aspects of studio photography that I like, I just couldn't help but feel there had to be more. But this turned out to be a very important period of my life. I learned in that studio that there was nothing quite like the experiencing the emotions of someone you just photographed (or the parents of those you just photographed) when you are going through a proofing session. By far my favorite part of the job. Perhaps the only favorite part. I needed more.

I began studying photography in college (and continue to do so even 10 years later). I learned a lot about the art itself, and just how much is available in the digital age. But nothing prepared me for learning exactly the kind of photographer I wanted to be quite like freelance experience has. I shot my first wedding a few years ago. Many of you have watched me grow through my work and have always had such kind words, and I sure do appreciate that. Especially since this is a pretty cutthroat, competitive industry. I can handle, and even encourage, constructive criticism. However, I am my own biggest critic, And when I just can't make myself happy with what I'm producing, it means it's time for a change.

What does this mean for my clients? It means I will be focusing on the photography I most love to shoot. I want to show people what I see through my lens and make them feel like rock stars. Ok, maybe not rock stars, but definitely boost their self esteem a little, or give them a memory frozen in time of their kids being kids in the days where time passes so fast.

Lifestyle portraiture was initially my starting point and I kind of got caught up at all the forks in the road. My best and personal favorite photos are those that have captured someone being themselves. Caught up in an emotion. A child experiencing a first. A bride and her mom sharing a personal moment before the wedding. The bridal party just candidly having fun before the walk down the aisle. This is what I'm passionate about. Emotions. Details. Life.

Weddings 

I am limiting myself to just a few weddings a year. My bride's mean the world to me and I feel I am often times too overwhelmed with other obligations to to really give brides the exclusive treatment I'd like to. My packages will also be redesigned to reflect the values I believe you will ultimately regret not having invested in. Far too many times I've had brides skip prep time or forgo the inclusion of an album to have me stay through the entire reception. As a currently engaged girl myself, I can understand why you may think that's a good idea. Fortunately for myself, I've been on the other side of the camera before becoming a bride and I understand the importance of these aspects now. I never want to see the look on a bride's face again when she says to me upon receiving her photos, "I really wish I'd had you with me and my girls when we were getting ready. The only pics I really have with just my girls together are the posed shots, which I love, but we made such great memories getting pampered together!".

The new packages will include shooting of prep time, details of bridal accessories, ceremony and reception venue, etc. as well as the ceremony itself, and formals (if wanted), all post-processing, and a customized acrylic cover album professionally bound and printed. Packages also include a 1-year web gallery with high-resoltution downloads, value priced professional print ordering option, and ability to share with friends and family and via various social media outlets such as Facebook and Pinterest. Reception time will be an additional cost at an hourly rate.

Portraits  

As much as I love my families and newborns, I'll be taking a break from this type of photography. As I mentioned earlier in my post, I'm not much of a fan of obviously posed "studio-type" shoots. That is what most families are expecting when they book a shoot, but it's just not the kind of work I enjoy producing.

Children's photo shoots will be done in a space they are comfortable in, whether that's your back yard, a park, playground, etc. I want to capture them in their element where they are free to be themselves. As far as newborns/infants go, I will certainly consider a shoot, but it won't be part of my regular sessions menu published on my site. Some of my favorite photos this year have been newborns, I just don't feel I'm well equipped at this time to continue pursuing this on a regular basis. I may offer occasional family portrait specials around the holidays, so stay tuned to my facebook page if interested!

Portraits for teens through adults will still be offered and will be shot in a lifestyle format. I am happy to portray you doing something you love, or just enjoying life in general. We can take a stroll through the park, go to a place of some meaning to you, or as you work! Are you a painter? I'd love to capture YOU doing what YOU love! Or WITH the one you love. I will still do engagement sessions!

I LOVE shooting Boudoir! Women are so hard on themselves and go through some serious emotional turmoil and constant body changes. So I will still offer up occasional "Boudoir Days" where you can spend some time getting a mini-makeover and getting some gorgeous photos of yourself for yourself or  for a special someone. Stay tuned for posts advertising this if interested. Payment up front will be required as securing a location is necessary.

I honestly feel this transition will help me be true to who I am personally and as an artist. I just really need some structure and sometimes that may mean passing up opportunities. In the beginning, I didn't turn down work because I felt that if I wanted to grow as an artist and get my name out there, I needed to do anything that came my way. But my work should be representative of what I'm happy producing as a photographer and representative of my style. I look forward to working with you in the future and am excited to have worked with many of you in the past!

Baby Logan

Where to begin... It's taken me 2 days to compose this blog post. Due in large part to the emotional investment I have in this kid! My cousin Geeter (yes, it's a nickname) is the oldest child of my mom's only sister. Brenda (Boo Boo). He and I share maternal grand parents. I'm the first born grandchild and he is the 3rd, there are only a few years between us. My oldest brother Herk (also a nickname... our family is full of them!) and I grew up closely with Geeter so one could argue he's more like a brother. I'm sure this is the case with a lot of families, so I know some of you will understand. Actually, my aunt Boo Boo's boys, along with my 3 siblings, all call me Sissy or Sister. So baby Logan is more to me than a cousin, but more like a nephew. And I couldn't help but get choked up when Geeter and Tracy told us on Thanksgiving 2012 that they were expecting. They will truly be great parents and this kid will have everything his heart desires!

For Mother's Day this year, I bought my aunt a locket I created (via Origami Owl www.lenslockets.origamiowl.com). I figured, how appropriate; it says Nana, like, "Nana Nana Boo Boo". :-)

 I was a little under the weather when Logan was born, so I wasn't able to make it to the hospital. My mom was there every step of the way though. I would expect nothing less though. A birthing room seems like the most natural environment for her. So at 4 days old, when I was feeling better, Geeter and Tracy brought him over for some newborn pics and quality time with his aunt Sissy and uncle Brian. It's pretty rare that I get to show "behind the scenes" type pics of me working, but Tracy took a few which I'm extremely grateful for. (Cute little crabby outfit courtesy of aunt Jenny).

And now ladies and gentleman, I introduce to you Mr. Logan James Stanley...

 The stuffed animals were gifts from his grandmas.

 He sure was comfy laying in that box!

 Just love those little feet and hands!

 

I got a smile :-)

 He certainly fits in to the family. A Potter fan already!

 And a Caps fan, naturally!

 And what other newborn do you know that can already belt out "Hail to the Redskins"?!

 

I'll end this post on a more sentimental note. Here is Logan with my favorite photo of his great-grandparents. Pop would be all too proud to take this munchkin fishing and hunting. Fortunately, he's got his grandpa and several uncles to pass down the tradition! And a Nanny to teach him how to feed the birds.

Little Logan, you light up my life and I'm so happy you are in this world :-) HUGS!

Jeff & Chrissy's Old Town Manassas Wedding

"There once was a man from Nantucket...", to quote the comical and oh-so compassionate father of the groom as he began a toast to the couple. The culmination of personalities that adorned the private room at Carmello's, a restaurant in Old Town Manassas, Virginia, to witness the marriage of Chrissy and Jeff spoke volumes about this couple. Although they were all new faces, they opened their arms and welcomed me as if I were one of their own. And by the time I'd left, I felt a little piece of myself linger behind with them and they continued the celebration. And it all started when I walked into the bride, Chrissy's, hotel room just a few hours earlier.

I had never met Chrissy in person prior to her wedding day (I was referred by Elizabeth, one of Chrissy's bridesmaids whose sisters I'd been long time friends with). But ever since our first correspondence, I felt a connection with her, like we were old friends. I write this post as a bride-to-be myself, in very similar shoes as Chrissy (figuratively... not the same shoes as pictured below). 

I could relate to every situation we discussed and knew I just had to be a part of this wedding. For Chrissy, for Elizabeth, and for myself. And I couldn't be happier that Chrissy ultimately asked me to do the honor of photographing her wedding.

I must warn you, that the photos that follow are full of love, fabulousness, and, to take it back a few decades... like, TOTALLY AWESOME, DUDE! 

 Every bride must have precious mementos to make her day that much more memorable. Chrissy carried a beaded bag (seen hanging from the jewelry box mirror) that her mom also carried on her wedding day.

Gorgeous jewelry completed her ensemble.

And of course, the rings!

Chrissy is so photogenic, I never even had to prompt her for a "natural" pose.

 Showing off the final look to her girls. A beautiful bride, ready to make her way to the wedding location!

 Carmello's of Old Town Manassas provided a nice intimate venue for the day's affair.

 The bride and groom left no reason to doubt they worked diligently to create a wedding and reception full of details with just enough whimsy to make them Pinterest worthy! They even made their own peanut butter balls (that I was all to happy to eat when the groom's dad offered one up)! One of the ring bearers carried these signs during the precessional.

 A vintage-style suitcase was used for guests to leave cards in.

 Even the Bride & Groom's table had plenty of character.

There were photo props, which proved a popular display later in the day, as well as a Rubiks cube and, yes, that IS a container full of more peanut butter balls!

And perhaps the cutest display for guests to find their seat I've seen yet...

But the show must go on, and go on it did! The ceremony was short and sweet, with personalized vows and a speech by the officiant, Chrissy's uncle, that certainly brought forth the waterworks. And all that were present witnessed the groom vow to cook, clean, and keep his mouth shut... Kudos to you, Jeff. Kudos to you! And perhaps my favorite part, they not only sealed those vows with a kiss, but a hug so affectionate it made me want to hug the stranger standing behind me. Yes, I was definitely choked up... their friendship is very obvious and reminds me of my own relationship. And I am a firm believer that lasting relationships have a strong friendship at their core. 

There was much support from friends and family on their big day...

It was all fun and games... and then they were photobombed by... wait for it...

President Obama himself! (hehehe) AND...

The groom's DAD!

The food looked delicious, and the desserts were so great at Carmello's that the couple decided to forgo a traditional wedding cake. Nonetheless, a great time was had by all.

But before the first dance, I snuck out with the wedding party (and their great sunglasses!) to grab some fun group shots down at the old train station.

The newlyweds had some memorable moments, their first as husband and wife.

Then we hit the tracks (and borrowed the skateboards of some teenage boys passing through!) to capture the great personalities in this group.

Back at Carmello's the new Mr. & Mrs. Hoye lead us to the dance floor where they share their first dance to Tim McMorris's "Overwhelmed". Let the sobs commence... Yes, I made a beeline for my car after that! But not before catching one last precious photo...

The flower girl looking on admiringly at the couple as they dance. The groom would break away from his new wife just moments later to dance with their admirer as the bride shared a dance with her step-dad.

Chrissy and Jeff... you are everything a great couple should be. Compassionate, full of grace (but not graceful, as the bride's uncle would point out), caring, giving and most importantly, FRIENDS! I wish you nothing but the brightest future and am truly honored to have been included in such an important role in your wedding. Thank you for opening your hearts to me allowing me to experience one of the most important days of your lives. I truly am overwhelmed by you both! 

Credits:

Bridal Hotel Suite: Hampton Inn Manassas

Wedding & Reception Venue: Carmello's

Bride's Gown and Bridesmaids dresses: Alfred Angelo of Springfield, VA

Bridal Party Makeup: Cynthia Garrett of Earth Diva Designs