My New Blog is now "Live"

As promised, I'm pleased to announce.... my new blog is now up and running.  I will be posting all future posts over there.. Please update your bookmarks acordingly. OK? Ready? Set..........Go!

New Blog Coming Soon!

OK.. so it's time for me to make a change.. Change is good right?  I am currently working on a new blog that will be up and running soon.  I will let you know as soon as it's ready..  I would be remiss if I did not tell you how ecstatic I truly am..

In the meantime.. here is a sneak peek to a beautiful couple's engagement shoot that was captured earlier this week.. what fun we had and what a true pleasure it was to finally meet this great couple.  Their story is just as sweet. Stay tuned..... for Denise and Derek....

Love Deeply!

As wedding season gets ready to start for me I am reminded of a lot of things.  The past couple of weeks have been very trying yet remarkable at the same time for me.  I, like most women, always try to hold it all down within the confines of my imagination and the complexity of my very thoughts. We all do.. women that is, try to hold it all together for our families, friends, children, husbands... loved ones. We plan, cook balanced meals, clean the house, run errands, drive the kids around and around the beltway trying to make sure they are where they need to be at any given time. We hold conversations as necessary with teachers, principals, coaches, other kids parents.  We try so hard to stay connected with our moms, dads, brothers, sisters, friends so that they know they are in our thoughts always.  We, girlfriends/sister friends try our best to be there to support each other in our endeavors as we know how hard it is to have an endeavor.   To support it for another friend tells them that we are proud of what they have done or what they are trying to do because we know how hard it is to fit anything extra for ourselves in there.  We work to support our families so that they can have the best opportunities that we can afford, hoping that it is enough.. doing our level best to raise thoughtful, considerate, spiritual, level-headed, functional members of society. Home, School, relationships, grades, teachers, sports and healthy friendships are always thoughts that we contemplate daily.  God, Church, spiritually, ideals, morals, values and service to others means so much to all of us, ask anyone... but often remains the most complicated... individually!
I'm not here to preach to anyone.. God knows he is still working on me but one thing is for sure and I know without reservation or hesitation... the greatest of all of these things is LOVE!....for without it there is really nothing.  We all need it, seek it, desire it, depend on it.  Personally, it's like breathing.  It brings me joy and has the capacity to make me sad. One thing I do know ladies... when you find it and it is yours, hold on to it like it is your breath and don't let go.  Love Deeply.. like the ocean breeze that finds it's way to you.. caressing your mind, body and soul.. breath it in, hold it there and only exhale to take it all in again and again for when it is right (and we all know when it's right) it will be there for you, sustain you, hold you, keep you and love you back no matter what!  Happy Wednesday to all my sister friends who encourage me on a continuous basis as only sister friends can.
To my current and future Brides... that which I know, I can see, and I will capture it through my lens for you and bring it right back to last you a lifetime.. Thank you for trusting me!
To the Love of my life... I know you, see you, belong with you... and best of all... Love you Deeply!

Eco-Beautiful Weddings Magazine - Spring 2011

Well they have done it again.  Another addition of Eco-Beautiful Weddings magazine is just delicious and ready for Brides to devour.  This issue, like all the rest, comes jammed packed with Eco-Friendly ideas for the eco-conscious Bride... and let's not forget the Groom.     You can see more of my pictures and read the full article on pages 24 and 25 of the Spring 2011 issue and see Katie's Daily Blog here.




I was there, along with Documentary Associates, to capture the party and runway show blogged about earlier this year for this issue.

Making time to Breathe!

So once a year I try my best to get us out of town for a weekend.  Eric and I... just us!  It's usually very stressful getting out of the house but once we are gone we are transported back to 1988 and we are dating again.  We walk around wherever we are pretending that we don't have a care in the world.  Holding hands, walking close and talking without interruption for hours. Depending on the location we have quiet fancy dinners, dancing, swimming in the moonlight, rum punches to die for and lazy mornings. Getting up at 11:00 and even midnight movies are the norm for us. It's amazing how kids change you, your relationship even how you communicate but we hold on to each other tight and we forget that there is a world wind of activities awaiting us when we return.. and I mean as soon as we step in the door, but that is another post.. stay in the moment.... Breathe!!

This weekend is about us... taking it all in and just being present with each other.  Even when the kids were small we would leave.  Capable hands would be there with them.. not to worry, they would be alright.  The first time we returned when Kai was about 14 months old she cried for two hours when she saw us.  I was pregnant with Nash. We laughed at first waiting for her to stop then I held her tight and almost started crying with her. I had to remind myself to breathe. Several years later we returned from another trip and Biko had fallen face first down a set of concrete steps at my moms house. I secretly wanted to die when I saw his scars from forehead to chin but I sucked in up and held him tight.. he was proud that he had survived.. I secretly wanted to die.  Breathe!!!

This year we went on a short but awesome trip to NYC to celebrate Eric's birthday.  We had more fun than a little bit and soaked it up like a sponge.  Those of you who know me realize how much I don't like taking my camera with me on vacation.  I did another post earlier about my baby camera and thus this time was no different.. but I took my baby camera because at the end of the day I always see something I want to record, capture or remember.

We now feel like sponges and are rejuvenated and refreshed. We took it all in and had a ball. For this brief moment in time it was nice to just Breathe!!


 A room with a view!!  I must have taken 100 pictures of this!!


Eric's B-day dinner at Candle 79.. Our new Favorite Restaurant in NYC!!


Eric's non-verbal communication for "Could you put that camera away.. you look like a tourist!"


Where is everyone going?  Love it!


Happy as a pea in a pod... Breathing!!

DC maternity session: monnette + duc = baby

Remember Monette and Duc from just 18 months ago? It just thrills me when brides come back with the news there is a baby on the way. I consider it a greater compliment when they want me to shoot their maternity and thereafter baby sessions. At the end of the day, they know that they can trust me to take care of them and preserve their memories.
They know from me being their wedding photographer, I laugh a lot and I like to have fun, I crack jokes when appropriate and then turn around to straighten out what needs to be fixed. I follow them around and make sure they have water, food, lip gloss, powder, candy... I often even bustle their dress when it's time for them to go on the dance floor.. I am their right hand gal for the day and often in the end, when it's all over we are like old friends departing ways.. waving goodbye as I wish them safe travels on their honeymoon.

Monnette and Duc are now having a baby and I'm thrilled for them. Here are a few of my favorites from the session!

Monnette came with every sonogram picture given her, ever!!.. She is thrilled to be able to see "Luke" everyday! Duc does not see it but nods in agreement.. with a smile! They are so cute!




Cute as a button!










Good luck you two.. I can't wait to meet Mr. Luke..

Published: Eco-Beautiful Weddings Magazine

So I begin this year being published in several magazines and newspapers. I am utterly proud of every little picture that makes it into any publication.. all photographers are.  When I am called to shoot for a magazine and the pictures are thereafter published, I'm simply thrilled.. No wait.. I'm ecstatic.

Earlier this winter Katie called and asked if I'd be interested in shooting again for her Eco-Beautiful Wedding Magazine. "Heck Yes!!" is what she hears me say every time. If you recall, last year I shot the Spring 2010 cover for the magazine.   I'm so proud of her and her magazine, I'm always willing to help. This time, I shot the for the "Green Inspiration" article and the "Stress Relieving Yoga" article.   It was my idea to perch Miss Yoga as I call her, Takeyah Young of Core Connections on top of a log and take her picture all relaxed looking.. the joke was, she really was quite relaxed and Robin and I laughed so hard at how easy she made it appear.

Check out the entire issue on-line here!
Presenting the Winter 2011 Issue! So proud to be in it!
cover shot by Jennifer Hughes


the magazine now available for print.. got here to find out how!

the pages turn from the bottom right corner.. so cool!



Bouquet designs by Elegance and Simplicity.. cupcakes by Kendall's Cakes


Entire magazine packed with useful information for the Green bride..

Published: Uptown Magazine

What a great honor to be chosen to capture such a great event.  Jack and Jill of America, Incorporated   installed the "New" National Harbor Chapter of Jack and Jill, Incorporated in Prince Georges County, Maryland.  It was a cold and rainy day but nothing would dampen the mood of these lovely ladies taking part in Jack and Jill history.  It s a really big deal to start a new chapter of Jack and Jill and no small feat.  With no shortage of time, sweat, dedication and hard work these lovely ladies pulled it off and made it look like a walk in the park.
As one member put it. "This is what happens when you put together a group of mothers who's capacities include entrepreneurs, business professionals, stay-at-home mothers, educators,  attorneys, engineers and faith-based leaders with the belief that we can make a difference in the lives of children and families."

Click here to see the slideshow of the event.

Uptown magazine published a few of my photos from the day!  You can see them on the "Clique"  Washington, D.C. page. 




What a wonderful sight!


Sondra Petty, Darlene Brooks and Maranda Jones-Anderson
 


Joi Grady-Secretary-Treasurer, Eastern Region, Terri Parker-National Treasurer, Tammy King--Director, Eastern Region



Ingrid M. Turner (left), Prince George's County, Maryland Council Member issues Proclamation
to Jack and Jill of America Incorporated, National Harbor Chapter President, Sondra Petty  (right)