As we Walk in Fields of Gold...

     The actual historic Barrett House in Lorton, VA is certainly in dire need of some TLC but the wide open fields dotted with colossal maples that surround it are a photographer’s dream especially at golden hour.  Of course, the elusive “golden hour” this time of year creeps in around 8pm and for just a half hour which makes little Alex a rock-star for staying out late with his ‘rents.  There’s something about a toddler and a mini-me chair just their size that’s like moth to flame.  Hungry Alex camped out in his old man rocker eating Cheerios, watching bubbles, & picking flowers in the tall grass. 

   
 

     One of my favorite moments came as I watched Alex’s dad throwing him up high into the air, hearing squeals of delight as he descends quickly back into daddy’s capable waiting arms.  All the while, mom is repeating the mantra, “I’m not watching. I can’t watch. I don’t see this.” Not until I got home and began perusing the images did I truly see how absurdly high-flying Alex had been since I was tunnel-visioned through the lens. The pure joy captured on both father & son’s faces are the epitome of why I love my job.  Enjoy some of my favorites from this sweet family's session.



Father's Day Surprise!

A client told me this week that her husband practically gift-wrapped his own Father's Day gift idea by repeatedly saying, " I really need a more updated picture of my family for my desk at work considering my little boy isn't even in it." Talk about an impromptu mini-mini-session for a deserving, devoted father.

Yesterday afternoon we literally did a half of a mini-sesh at the park behind the house. What a fun 30 minutes of silly siblings performing for Daddy's Picture! God bless their wonderful Momma and my good friend, Sarah, while her daughter orchestrated the whole shoot from who sits on a stool, how to lay on the blanket, and how close together they could be?!? She even proudly came up with wonderful original posing ideas. I had such a great afternoon with this energetic family and I'm sure that Daddy will love his Father's Day surprise.

Speaking of which; for all those of you who are blessed enough to be fathers, here's to a Happy Father's Day filled with lots of love, family, BBQs, tool usage, (insert all manly cliches here) and perhaps a little smidge of quiet time. 

 

Newborn Deliciousness: Introducing Gavin!

     After unloading Gabriel from my brand new humungo LL Bean tote & filling it with freshly laundered blankets & wrap fabrics, I was on my way to my first newborn session at a clients' house. My oldest son is already nine and my little baby two & a half, so my first glimpse of 15 day old sweet Gavin was an awe-inspiring moment at the pure freshness of God's perfectly created truly little human. He made Gabriel look like a giant! Seeing the purplish hue on his long toes, almost translucent belly, and red fingers clamped in fists a testament to his newness, I knew I wanted to focus on these details rather than edit more "creamier" baby skin.
    
     And so our couple hour flexible and fun session unfolds. No matter how warm the room nor how unbelievably full wee lil man was, once he locked eyes on the contrasted black camera in a light room and the shiny reflector, he didn't want to miss a thing.  This meant no "cutesy artsy fartsy poses" (no offense i do love them). Fully awake he strongly pushed off from all of them but was a blessing as I became completely mesmerized by his changing baby blues the rest of our shoot. You can see that in the perspectives of his photos.  Beautiful & attentive Mom enjoyed tending to her little bundle interacting with him as he remained awake. As time marched on and the light rose overhead, I found myself having to willfully stop taking pictures as I could stare at that precious face all day.  A glimpse at the camera counter startled me seeing hundreds of images awaiting my latter perusal.  I'll tell you what; I certainly need to ward my mind from the jedi-mind-tricks a delectable lil newborn like Gavin pulls to keep my shutter constantly open!?! What an amazing and fun client! Here's a sneak peek variety show of the little guy...