latoya and edward - a wedding

Snow fell lightly the night before but the forecast was clear and so was the way for LaToya and Edward to begin their lives as one. Simply put, LaToya was hammering out the details from the start and left nothing to chance as preparations moved toward their wedding day. Edward was overseas at the time but it was clear that not only was she ready to have him back stateside but ready to walk down the aisle and become Mrs. Jones as well.

As the day unfolded her relaxed calm was quite soothing for all of those around. LaToya moved so deliberately and with such grace that I'd have to say I was a little tickled. Could this be? I had never.. ever... seen a bride so calm, cool and collected. Later, as she was ready to get dressed, she received a special gift from her maid of honor and her big brown eyes filled with tears, if just for a moment. You could tell that her best friend had no intention of making her cry and they proceeded to turn away from each other in order to restore their emotional calm.

Latoya told me quietly of how her and Edward met and I was not surprised after hearing the story that the two of them, shortly thereafter, fell in love and chose to commit to each other for the rest of their lives.

LaToya and Edward, thanks for choosing a little bit of whimsy to document your beautiful wedding. I was honored to be there and I'm honored still to be able to present you with the pictures that will last you a lifetime. May your love for each other grow stronger and deeper with each breath you take...

To view more of their wedding, CLICK HERE for their slideshow.

Here are a few of my favorites from the day..

stunning.. just stunning!!



relaxed and calm




Who can't play pool?



The guys relaxing.. watching the beginning of the game...




I love the feel of this one...






Never mind me.. just go for it



sun rays pouring through the window.. how beautiful



Dad, in the background, taking a picture of his daughter's first dance



moments where there seemed to be no one else in the room



Bride and fathers dance



everyone to the dance floor



when there was no one else around..

Bitter Sweet

When a new client calls I try to get a feel of what they want based on what they have seen or heard about my work? What is the end result? What are you looking to take away with you from your session? In this case Sandy was really clear.." I saw your slideshow for Margo and I want something like that for my family. I lost my husband about two years ago and I want my family, who can't see us always, to know that the boys I are O.K."
I swallowed hard and told her that I understood.. all the while I knew I wished to make this incredibly special for Sandy, her boys and her loved ones.. Later, when we met she wanted to know if it was possible to incorporate her husband's photo in the slideshow and then showed me his picture. When I told her that I thought I could (I'd do my best), they all smiled and one of the boys whispered a faint "yes!!"


I was relieved and thrilled during the unfolding of the shoot.. From Momma's beautiful smile and spunk, the oldest son's wit and antics to the youngest son's compassion, this family encompassed it all and then some. I learned that they are all driven, kind and musically talented.. even Sandy threw her arms open during one part of the session and bolted sweetly part of a song. I did not hear much but it's clear she can sing.

Sandy.. thanks for putting this in my hands and allowing me the opportunity to get to know you and your your boys.. I hope that this is close to what you envisioned and that it is clear that indeed you and the boys are sooooo very happy together. Your strength is clear. Thanks for allowing me but just a glimpse into your hearts. Your boys are just lovely and it is clear that you love each other dearly. Stepping through the threshold of your front door it was almost palatable..

with out further ado please click here for your slideshow!

What an awesome family!




I like the seriousness of this one although the boys are really very funny! There were no shortages of smiles and laughing throughout the morning..





Sandy singing her song!

Harvest Fest 2009

So the candy is gone and the sugar-rush is over (or almost), but the fact remains that the kids had an absolute ball at the "Fort" this weekend..

The little ones really came out with all of their adorable costumes and paraded around, played games, ate, participated in a soul train line, ate some more.. then (at the end..) how strategic.. they collected their goodie bag of candy and left.. to get that sugar rush in the car.. no joke!

The older teens are just about at the age where a costume is either here nor there but some made the effort and they too had a great time with a few games and (you will see) a Jello-with-whip-cream-eating contest. They ate as well and also received a bag of candy.

I don't know about the other parents there but it was really a joy to watch the little one's faces when the dancing started. Many looked confused when Mrs. H. lined them up in two lines they looked around for instructions on this "soul train" line game? The music started and Mrs. H. had to go down and almost hand carry them through the line. We all knew that they would get the hang of it eventually, so we waited! Then, something very special happened.... one little girl, all the while waiting her turn, paused and then burst out in a dance that caught everyone watching by surprise.. it was so hard to keep the camera focused for the tears of laughter coming out of my eyes.. Parents started chanting her name and quickly the others knew just what to do in this line... they followed suit and came down the line with their very own expressions of dance!!

And yes.. the slideshow is ready!!

Monday morning announcement.. o.k. Tuesday!!

Well what happened to the big announcement for Monday?

Life is like that sometimes, in my world.. Plus I did not want you to fall out of your desk chairs because the post was here the very day I promised it..Forgive me friends!!

o.k. so here we go..

For the first time ever, I am offering a special on prints for the Holidays. For a limited time, you are able to receive 3 for 1 - 4x6's and 2 for 1 - 5x7 prints. These prices are good now through November 22nd and are available in your ordering portal. Just choose "3 for 1 special" or "2 for 1 special" when you choose the photograph you want to purchase. It's that easy! You will get three or two of the same print you purchased.

For 2009 Holiday Cards please view here and choose the style you want (style number under each card when viewed), go to the portal and choose your pictures. Pricing reflected in the slideshow has been reduced as well (see your portal) for the same limited time.

All reduced pricing and specials are good from now until the 22nd of November only. These prices are good only for orders not already taken and do not apply to wedding print credits. Get your selections in early and please to not delay as extensions of time can not be granted..(smile)

a little bit of whimsy photography will be closed for the month of December (with the exception of weddings already booked) so that I can have a stress-free, relaxed Holiday like all of you, however all cards should be arriving and ready for pick-up the week of the 7th of December and I will, of course, be available to give you any products ordered.. Smile!

DON'T HAVE YOUR PICTURE TAKEN YET?

I am offering a "Holiday Mini Session" because I know how busy we all are and I say it all the time, there is never enough time in the day to do all the things we need to do.

When: November 14th from
Time: 10am until 1:00pm
Where: Fort Washington Park
Cost: $125.00
Details:
This "Holiday Mini Session" Special gives you a 20 minute mini-session with me, an on-line proofing portal with access to specials, 25-5x7 linen,folded,Holiday Cards designed by me with one proof, and 1-8x10 from session.

To book your session click here and follow the directions to pay for session choose your time-slot.

So there you have it.. The Whimsical Holiday Special Announcementt courtesy of "a little bit of whimsy photography". As many of you know I have talked of doing this for years but have wondered if my customers would be interested so this will be the test. I hope you are encouraged at the savings announced here and will take advantage of them all. Let me know your thoughts and I'll talk to you soon.

and just because a post is not special without a picture and a slideshow that was made during last years big snowfall..!!

white gloves

I promised many of you that I would create and thereafter offer a coffee table book featuring your kids, family or occasion. I've saved 10 to 12 years of some of your photographs just waiting for such a compilation of love. For my beloved new customers, you can certainly order one of these with just one shoot as you know how many of those pictures you have in the portal you love. (Example book number two of Baby S. is one shoot).

However, choosing the right manufactures with the quality that I demand for my customers with a price point that would not break the bank proved to be more than a notion. I searched to find the right product, found the time to design the sample then saved money to buy the sample and then..... WELL now, the wait is over and I am so beside-myself thrilled.. "It"... the book I have been raving about to many of you finally arrived.. complete with white gloves so that my fingerprints would not mar. White gloves guys..


Look at that!!!!




Red case complete with foil engraving (you chose the title)..



Complete with designed, wrap-around dust cover.. High quality art book quality pages.




This book is a bit different than the first with thicker pages! Same great quality.






This one comes with a designed dust cover too!



Bound, beautiful, hinged pages.




Who designs the book?
Every book is personally designed by me.

How long does it take to design?
About 2 to 3 weeks start to finish.. either with your input or without. Another 3 weeks for production and shipping.

How many pages?
As many as you want up to 100 pages or 50 spreads (a left and a right).

What sizes do they come in?
From 5x5 all the way up to 8x11.. second book comes in an 11x14 size.

How much does it cost?
Hurry these rock bottom prices won't last long, you have to trust me on this one. My customers whom I've been photographing for almost a decade now know that I am always a bit on the conservative side of the pricing until I am forced to raise prices! Do not delay on this one. I'm just saying!! This is not your put it together and watch it fall apart CVS Photo-book (I'm just saying). I guarantee it. View pricing.

Are these the prices that are in the Client order portal now?
No.. not the same quality and those will no longer be offered.. These books will replace those.

What do the pages look like and how many photographs per page?
The design is between you and me. You give me your ideas.. less designed, less populated pages, one photograph per page etc.. I go from there.

Will my book be ready for Christmas 2009?
No, but many of you have expressed wanting this book for yourselves not necessarily for a gift. To make it up to you, as I know you are disappointed, come back to this blog on Monday November 2nd for a monumental announcement concerning 2009 Christmas Card orders and a first ever whimsy "special offer". Good only for 20 days.. no revisions, no do-overs, no extensions, no excuses.. Be here or just miss out!! I'm just saying!!!
Smile my friends, it's not that serious but I'm not playing.. You have to love me!!

To see design #1 Click HERE

To see design #2 Click HERE

By for now.. talk to you on Monday!

michael + margo + little m

Such a pleasure to be a part of this family's life for just a moment while we created these awesome portraits.. Michael, Margo and little m. came to me by way of Candace and Alex's baby S's baby shoot.

Having never met them before, it was refreshing walking into their home and feeling at ease right from the start. Little m. came right up to me and let me know that this session was going to be just fine. I was there to photograph primarily the baby or at least the family, but the electricity that flowed between Michael and Margo struck me as something notable, and worthy of a bit more attention, so while I certainly got plenty of pictures of little m., it was Michael and Margo's love (when little m. was off playing with my trusted assistant "Nash") that were incredible to capture. It must be the wedding photographer in me. I'm always looking for the LOVE.. They are a such beautiful couple and were game for anything I asked (with the exception of running on the golf course and stealing a few shots before we were captured and banned for life).. Michael was not having any part of that. "There is golf course edict to consider", he noted.(smile).

Michael and Margo, it was more than a pleasure to meet the two of you and your little princess little m.. The two of you are fierce in front of the camera and your love for one another is more than noteworthy, it's striking and real. Thanks for allowing me the opprutunity to capture these memories for you.. I look forward to doing it again and again as time goes by.






















Click here for their slideshow

the eatmon family- Maryland photographer

I have had the pleasure of capturing this family for many years now.. from the wedding, the maternity, the first born's baby pictures and now with Baby B (baby #2) almost a year old, we captured yet another session with portraits that are just spectacular.

Little S and Tiny B are just adorable. Mom and dad are quite the lookers as well. We had a little bribe session going on to get smiles out of Little S... "cupcakes for grandma"! Her face just lit up.. Do you remember what made you smile as a kid. Just the mere mention of the word caused your eyes to sparkle and a smile to emerge.. for me it was mashed potatoes with gravy... go figure... food... right?















click here for their slideshow!

Hey Little Girl!

I just love it when my clients trust me and my vision. I listen to what they are trying to achieve and then my brain goes into overdrive with the possibilities. Do I come up with all of these creative shoots in my head? Well, I'd just be lying if I told you yes. Somewhere in between an ad, commercial, magazine, my minds eye and the left-creative-side of my brain I can usually spit out what I want to do before they get off the phone. I'm constantly looking around, when I'm driving, looking for my next hot spot. Candace is just such a client.

Although getting the balloons for this shoot caused a bit of an ordeal as little Mr._____ , (I can not tell you guys what she called him) in the dollar store blew up the wrong shade of green balloon and then tried to make Candace buy it anyway, had no idea that he would be left with 4 blown up balloons because of his little attitude. Meanwhile, little Miss I-have-three-kids and can handle anything with my eyes closed (that would be me) was in the car trying to calm down Little Miss S. as those big beautiful browns searched the car and saw no sign of mama. The tears, by the way, matched the size of her eyes.

"I thought you said she did not cry", I exclaimed as Candace approached the car balloon-less and obviously fit-to-be-tied.
"She usually doesn't, I don't know what is wrong.. I hope she is not sick."
(mama's famous last words..LOL!!)

Two stores later and 6 miles later, she emerged with 4 beautiful pastel balloons and a huge smile on her face. Now little Miss S. was asleep (smile).

Little Miss. S how adorable you are with your big brown eyes and your cashmere chestnut skin. How cute was your pink tutu and Birthday shirt. How bright are your eyes when you smile or laugh at your mama's "cough"? (the things we do to make our kids smile)

I enjoyed the shoot so much and so did all the passer-byers that just wanted to eat you up. Yes we perched the little baby on just about every pretty doorway, wall and sidewalk in town and even sat her in the middle of my favorite street.... and guess what? She loved it..

click here for her slideshow!

























and just because it's her birthday.... her very own slideshow!

monnette & duc - a wedding

The day was perfect, after the forecast called for rain, and it didn't.. So much to do as Monnette and Duc merged lives with two faiths into one. A Buddhist Ceremony and a Catholic Ceremony all in one day! I have to say that we were just thrilled to be taking part, in theory, in such rich customs wrapped tightly with eloquent traditions and ceremony. It was colorful, meaningful, rooted in faith and tradition (on both sides), respectful, serious and tied together with a big huge satin bow of love.

Monnette and Duc your day was just perfect and everything a marriage should be about: Love, Joy, Contentment, Commitment and Faith. As you start your journey together may you continue to love each other as much as you have all these years since High School. Thank you for the honor of transforming your day into the memories that will last a lifetime.

As per her usual, Susan of "Simply Elegant Weddings" worked out the fabulous details of each moment of this long day.

First the Buddhist Ceremony where a formal asking for permission for the marriage and presenting the brides family with a roasted pig and decadent gifts is custom.







The gorgeous bridesmaids ready for the day. We all had so much fun!




The beautiful Monnette in a relaxed pose in her first dress.

Bridesmaids having a little fun before the ceremony.




Duc looks mighty relaxed.. ready for a GQ spread.

The groomsmen arrive for the gift presentation portion of the ceremony.

The presentation of the gifts from the grooms family to the brides family.

Duc's father looking right into the camera as the crowd gathered to go to his house for the Buddhist ceremony.

Getting ready details for both ceremonies!

private (or not so) moment between Monnette and Duc during the ceremony.

We were able to sneak away to a secluded spot for their private session before the reception.

Just one of many of my favorites of the day! Limo by ING Limousine.

Come on guys we have a reception to go to!

Look at the details in this stunning dress. White Swan Bridal

On to the reception at Martin's Crosswinds in Bowie Maryland. The florals were designed and displayed beautifully by Da Vinci's Florist in Silver Spring.

First dance......adorable.

Dad's emotions...priceless. Good thing Julie and Seda where there from "Blue Sky Films" providing the live video for the entire day... These moments are really special for all the women out there who have a soft spot in their hearts for their fathers..(and vise versa).

Monnette showing off HER shoes as the guys tried to show off their matching socks.

A wonderful send off to the delightful couple.

and do not forget to click for their slideshow!