NEWBORN: BABY PENELOPE

This is just beautiful people bringing more beautiful people into the world. Penelope was just about two weeks old for this shoot and is such a sweet little girl. Congrats Rob and Taylor!

WASHINGTON DC ENGAGEMENT: JANICE & JEFF

Note: these are not models. These are actual clients of mine who are in love and just happen to look really good together.

I feel like I've done quite a few iconic Washington DC engagement shoots, but somehow never incorporated Union Station, Metro, or the US Capitol. Janice & Jeff picked out a really great area for photos where we could use all three—and somehow (during rush hour!) make it look like a quiet afternoon in the city. Jeff asked to stop for a few more sitting in front of the Capitol and I'm so glad he did because they are some of my favorites.

More of this to come... they will be married at the Newseum in June and we are sure to get some classic DC shots of this awesome couple on their special day.

ALABAMA WEDDING: SHONTEL & JOEL

The American South has cast a spell on me. Down there, the food tastes better, the sun shines brighter, the people greet you more warmly, the trucks are bigger, the tea is sweeter, and weddings… well, they’re about the same as everywhere else but with better sweet tea. And apparently it’s not uncommon to go clay shooting and then race a thunderstorm home in the bed of a pickup truck after a Southern wedding either. That’s different. And awesome.

Shontel and Joel were married in a beautiful part of Alabama just south of Huntsville and had their reception in Guntersville, right next to the lake. After their engagement session last year, we started talking about getting me down to Alabama for the wedding—and I am so glad we did! Shontel did a fantastic job planning this event and allowing plenty of time for me to get all these shots. They were both so calm all day and easy to photograph.

I love it when photography allows me to take a trip to somewhere new. I could point to a few reasons why, but last week I saw something Joe McNally had written that really put a finger on it: “You have to maintain a continuous level of enthusiasm — not only to do your job, but also to relate to those you are working with. It is important for me to remember that a camera is a visa into people's lives, and I should never take that for granted.” For me, telling a wedding story with my camera allows me special access on a special day. And it gives me that extra push to learn about my clients, their families, friends, and in turn, to have a deeper understanding of the places they come from.