I shot the cover for Eco-Beautiful Weddings Magazine!

i'm really speechless but it is true, i had the honor of shooting the cover for the eco-beautiful magazine and the featured editorial on elizabeth st. james wedding dresses pages 86-94. i'm thrilled to have been chosen and delighted at the result. those who know me understand that i am screaming right now and those who don't... well... i'm screaming with joy!!
Click on the cover below to see the entire "virtual" issue!!

Words..? Where Are They..

People who know me are shaking their heads at my excitement for this latest venture that I am associated with. I am really speechless because of the opportunity and can not quite find the appropriate words to express just how thrilled I am to be a part of the second edition of the Eco-Beautiful Weddings e-magazine. I'm so thrilled in fact, I allowed myself the liberty to include uppercase letters on my blog for the first time in a long time..

This e-magazine is produced by Katie Martin creator of Elegance & Simplicity, Inc. & Eco-Beautiful Weddings. What does "e-magazine" mean? Well to me (and don't get it twisted..I'm really no expert on the subject nor do I claim to be) it means that it is a virtual, on-line and (in this case) a bridal magazine thus making it "Eco-friendly" because it is not printed. It does not come to your home and take up space on your pile of magazines to "throw away" or take to the recycle-bin (although technically that would be "eco-friendly", the recycle part) BUT not everyone recycles...ah-ha!! This is super special in these days when most people spend (I know there is a statistic on this.. but I'll pull something remote out of my head and say...) 48% of their day on computers. It makes so much sense, really. Brides are shopping, looking, researching and booking on-line at an ever increasing rate, so this Eco-beautiful Wedding e-magazine is simply perfect. Paring the e-magazine concept with the Eco-Beautiful Wedding website is a marriage (no pun intended) made in heaven for the eco-conscious, savvy, sophisticated bride.

The whole team of individuals that made the shoot possible were a joy to work with and super fun. Robin Fisher of Polished Image and Style pulled together the most beautiful looks for the shoot with the gorgeous wedding dresses from Elizabeth St. John , David Morley of Zinnia Films shot the video and put together this awesome clip that I can't stop watching. The talented Carla created glamorizing hairstyles on the ever beautiful Persephone, the model of the day, and Jeff Enriquez from InnerBeauty, Inc. rounded out the team with flawless makeup.

The magazine comes out on Monday so stay tuned.. I'll have a link here and if you listen very carefully Monday morning I think you may be able to hear me scream.. In the meantime watch the clip below..

There is one surprise I have not mentioned here.. Come back on Monday and I will fill you in!!

all in the family

"You are kidding me you are having another boy!" i exclaimed.. like it was any of my business at all.
"yes, yes.. i knoooowwww" she concedes in her raspy slow moving voice.. it's like molasses (her voice), so smooth and thick, the southern accent, you can almost reach out and touch the words as they come out of her mouth.
"we don't care.. as long as we have a healthy baby.. it will just be us and all those boys. i really don't know anything different".

but all i could think about was how precious they were. all of them. long ponytails, big eyes, nice smiles and polite ta' boot. each one of them has their own personality.. but don't they all, kids i mean. there was something about these boys that shouted "photo shoot" so when she called i was thrilled.

here are a few of my favorites from the day!

Look a little bit trying to hang with the big brothers!!



Throwing leaves= irresistible!

Inseparable- family session

sonya contacted me after a co-worker (Sandy) showed her a slideshow. i could not get her in before the holidays but she was clear she wanted it sooner vs. later. spring was too far.. she wanted to show/assure her family and friends back home that her son (the oldest) was doing well and that he had recuperated nicely from heart surgery earlier this year (2009). the urgency was noted and i was so honored to be able to make it happen for her as mom, for them as a family and for him as a pretty awesome person.

being 20 years old means that there are no smiles.. none...nada... even the youngest son tried not to smile during the entire shoot but i joked like a silly person until both of them shot me a fast one. i had to catch it quick or it would have been gone forever but catching those looks unexpectedly is what i do.. seeing or revealing the true personality of a person comes when they feel comfortable.. it takes a while but i try to always get what i want..

the family as a whole is awesome.. that is always nice to see and feel.. but as per my usual getting mom and dad to give me a little umph is always nice..

thanks for letting me into your world for a little while and to tell your story through my lens if not but for a brief moment in time..

take a look at their slideshow and you will see it all..

Sean- Senior 2010

sean was apprehensive at first.. his mother had set this up. all he knew was that he was supposed to take his senior pictures.. he had not seen my website, my pictures and did not know me from adam.. but after the family shoot it was his turn..

he asked if he could change clothes and I told him of course. his mother protested and wanted to know what he was going to wear and he reluctantly told her but all i could hear was..
"no Sean.. not the t-shirt and the flannel.." i asked if he was going to wear the sweater first and he said yes so i was good.. a little something for mom and a little something for him. i could tell he was happy!!
he ran upstairs and came back with two outfits and we left.. what i did not understand was just how the bow and arrow thing-ee was going to translate but when he slipped the bow behind his neck and started walking towards the woods with the t-shirt and the flannel, i understood and was happy for him.. i was determined to help him express himself through my lens.. he wanted something something different.

needless to say Sean did an awesome job and quickly got the hang of looking the part.. you know.. grown but not grown, handsome but not sweet, and he wanted to translate what was important to him.. his truck, his dog, his hunting and the farm (memories of growing up there).. he chose this song and i could not have been more pleased as to how it all translated in his slideshow







ready to go hunting!!

they're so much better when we're together - St Mary's County

"you really ARE a photographer."
meta exclaimed, after she viewed my website for the first time..,
"i mean, you have to take sean's senior pictures next year and we really need a family portrait and i have to have christmas cards... we have not done any in years...."
we spoke about how we wanted to set it all up in between exuberant calls from the sidelines to our girls playing on their high school soccer team. one day i picked my daughter up from the farm and as i meandered slowly down the long, curvy, tree-laced driveway and laid eyes on the pond and her beautiful red-roof home, i knew that i had to shoot them right there.. it was just perfect...a photographers delight.

time passed and we scheduled and canceled several times as the kids, work, family, travel, hair scalping (her son shaved all of his hair off for a bet) and life just seemed to make it impossible for the two of us.. but persistence prevailed and finally i was able to travel down to their farm to capture them together.. all together, before the oldest goes off to college..

we had a lot of fun that day on the farm and i think these pictures reflect the love they hold dear for one another and the fun, joy and laughter they share in each other's presence.

thanks meta and jim for trusting me to make this happen for you. i can't wait to see the canvas.

here are a few of my favorites and their slideshow. come back later to view Sean's senior session.







the guys and their truck!

Sonoma- just a few more

As I promised.. Here are a few more from our weekend trip to Sonoma and Napa Valley California with our friends William and Phyl. Did I mention that it poured buckets of rain for the entire weekend.. we didn't care because that's what umbrellas are for.. right?

So we spent the weekend taking pictures of each other. We both have multiple kids and are never in front of the camera anymore, especially as a couple.. it was so much fun trying to create for ourselves what we create for others all the time. I left my big camera at home because I knew I would turn the trip into one big photo shoot. I was trying to relax. As it turned out, I grabbed Williams camera more times than necessary just because I saw something beautiful..



I love that Tuscan style!! and Italy too..






I have no idea why but windows and doors make me happy too. I'm sure it means something..







One more of Phyl and William..



So put Napa Valley on your list of things to do... it really was a lot of fun.. not to mention the wine!!!! (smile)

YOU inspire ME!

With all of the things I had to do this Holiday Season.. posting just got past me. So, for this year I've decided to make it part of my business to post more of what I do on a weekly basis. Deep in the crevices of my computer lay many pictures that have never been seen but by the client themselves. Many of you who ask, "is there anything new at Whimsy this week?, I need to go to the site"! thankfully, I get it.. I obviously need to post more if you are asking for it. Right? There are many of you who stalk (in the most friendly way) my blog just for the pure enjoyment of the pictures. Some have confessed that they like the stories that are told about the people whom I capture. Some come here to show a friend or family member my site. I'm not a boastful person and never seek to toot my own horn thus I have (quite honestly) been amazed at those who find my writing special at all, as I have a habit of putting double periods at the end of sentences and running them into east creation. I only try to go back and correct the double periods and run-ons for the sake of my kids and perhaps a teacher that may look and think that they have an idiot for a mother..

Truth be told.. YOU inspire ME! to be my best.. to bring it on every shoot.. to find the something different in your smile or laugh.. to find the spark in your story.. to erase the "I don't look good in pictures", from your vocabulary.. to put a little bit of happy in your day when you see my images (if that is at all possible).. YOU inspire ME!! and for that I am grateful, peaceful and happy.. So, go ahead and come back often this year as I will be here more often just to but it down as I see it and perhaps in the process put a little smile in your heart.

And since a photographer's post is just not a post without a picture I thought I'd kick off the new year with this: as I am like most women and 99% of the time do not like to see myself in pictures (just keeping it real).. I thought I'd start this year off with Eric and I so that you can get to know me as I get to know you..

Eric and I went with some friends before Christmas and drove through Napa Valley, California.. here is one that our friend William, who, as you can see, works things out with a camera in his hand, took of us.. (I know it is a run-on..)

Although Eric would rather have teeth removed than be on my blog I have to let you know that HE is the LOVE of my life.. the ANCHOR of my ship.. the KEEPER of my heart.. and truly one of the most awe inspiring people I have ever met.. I'm so glad to have him in my life and I thank God for him each and every day..

This one makes me smile..



more from Napa later..I'll be back soon..

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!